A Splash of Whiskeytown

Kayaking Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

04.26.2018

Some liquid pleasures just shouldn’t be passed up. And we’re willing to bet you’re going to want a double shot of Whiskeytown! Located just 8 miles west of Redding and surrounded by mountain peaks, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is nearly 40,000 acres of all things outdoors: waterfalls, campgrounds, beaches, hiking trails, and a beautiful crystal-clear lake at the center of it all.

Paddling the waters of Whiskeytown is the best way to see the lay of land, the surrounding mountains, and the wildlife!

For an extra smooth paddle, rent your kayak from Headwaters Adventure Company. Family owned by Terri and Joe Arbuckle, they’ve got the Cadillacs of kayaks in their fleet.  You can go on your own or ask Headwaters for a guided trip!  Paddling from the Oak Bottom Marina you'll cruise into Whiskeytown Lake's northwestern arm, which is closed off to boating. So you get serenity as you explore the gentle coves, keeping an eye out for osprey and bald eagles. Osprey are currently protecting nests in the area, and the Canada geese's goslings are also springing up (cue the cuteness). Even bears come around along the shoreline from time to time!

BONUS: For a magical experience, go with Terri on a Friday Night Social, a weekly group twilight paddle starting up again on May 4. The paddle lasts about 2.5 hours and you can rent a kayak for $25. Call Headwaters Adventure Company, (530) 223-2411 to get info and rent a kayak.

Calls for a shot (or two) of post-paddle whiskey!

Whiskeytown is 8 miles west of Redding. Rent kayaks, find out about guided trips, and get more info on Friday Night Social paddles: Headwaters Adventure Company.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey

    Pinnacles of Spring

    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

    View

  2. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View

  3. Talk of the Town

    We're spilling the tea on this bountiful 5.5-mile loop to Gossip Rock in Hayward’s Garin Regional Park (currently whispering all the right springtime notes).

    View
  4. woman hiking the Mendocino Headlands State Park

    Heads Up, Headlands!

    There’s one thing that’s pretty much mandatory when you visit Mendocino and that’s a hike along the famous bluffs. The trail system at Mendocino Headlands State Park is vast, surrounding the village and meandering for miles, with sweeping sea panoramas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Spring Up to These Amazing Events

    Shake it up, shake it all the way up to this sunniest city in the state for the most unique and fun-fueled events. Redding is true Northern California, surrounded by famous mountains, nearby national parks and recreation areas, and the sparkling Sacramento River.

    View
  3. Hikers by the reservoir at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks

    Triumphant in Triunfo

    Go on a hike with a peaceful reservoir, charming meadows, and beautiful spring blooms at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks.

    View
  4. Hiker on a trail at George F Canyon Preserve in Ranchos Palos Verdes

    Secret Blooms

    See wildflowers on the Palos Verdes Peninsula via a 2-mile hike through the hidden 51-acre oasis of George F. Canyon Preserve, and a 1.25-mile hike in neighboring Linden H. Chandler Preserve. 

    View