Paddling on Whiskeytown Lake

Ranger Recommendation: Paddle from the Oak Bottom Boat Launch to the mouth of Boulder Creek and do some bird watching. As you paddle look up at the top of trees near the water; you might spot one or more large nests belonging to one of the best fish hunters in the world, the Osprey. Osprey are often seen circling over the lake looking for a fish foolish enough to be within six feet of the surface.  

Details

Activity

Paddling

Whiskeytown Lake is one of the premier paddle-sport areas in northern California. With almost 40 miles of shoreline there are always new areas to explore. Ranger-led kayak tours are a great way to get an introduction to kayak and paddle boarding with a fun two-hour trip through the history and unique ecosystem of Whiskeytown. These tours run between Memorial Day and Labor Day and reservations through Recreation.gov are required. 

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets are not allowed on the beaches at Whiskeytown NRA. Leashed pets are welcome at boat launches and along the shoreline.

Activity Fee

No

An entrance pass is required at Whiskeytown NRA.

Reservations

Yes

Reservations are required for the ranger lead kayak and paddle board programs.

Season

Year Round

Accessibility Information

The boat launches at Whiskeytown NRA have paved parking and boat launch ramps. They also have accessible restrooms.

Whiskeytown Lake is a premier paddlesport destination. With almost 40 miles of shoreline, there are many coves, islands, and open waters to explore.

Ranger-Led Kayak & Paddleboard Tours
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, ranger-led kayak and paddleboard tours are popular and serve as introductions to the sports. The tours provide two hours of on-the-water fun where rangers interpret the unique natural and historic features of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Reservations are required for the tours and can be made through recreation.gov. Please note that the website charges a one dollar administrative fee for processing. For more information on ranger-led programs follow this link.

...or Paddle Out on Your Own
If you want to strike out on your own, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards from our concessionaire, Oak Bottom Marinas, LLC, at either Brandy Creek Beach (summertime only) or Oak Bottom Marina. If you have your own boat, popular launch sites include Brandy Creek Beach, Whiskey Creek Boat Launch, Oak Bottom Boat Launch, or the Oak Bottom Marina by the amphitheater.

However You Explore the Lake, Please be Safe!
Safety is our top priority at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and all boats including kayaks and paddleboards must have personal floatation devices (PFDs) onboard for each person. Furthermore, youth under the age of 16 must wear them while on the water. PFDs are also recommended for any pets joining in the fun. Additional recommended safety gear includes a noise-producing device such as a whistle, a first aid kit, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and if out at night, lights on both the boat and passengers.

Which Part of the Lake Should You Explore?
Now that you’re ready to get out on the water, where should you head to? We checked with several rangers, as well as some paddling clubs that use the lake, and came up with a few destinations to explore...

One spot, Boulder Creek, is an easy paddle south of the Oak Bottom Boat Launch or Marina area. Paddling toward the No Wake buoys and between Star Island and the mainland will give you some opportunities to see some of the lake’s seasonal residents. Looking at the top of trees near the water you might spot one or more large nests belonging to one of the best fish hunters in the world, the Osprey. Osprey are often seen circling over the lake looking for a fish foolish enough to be within six feet of the surface. Following the shoreline until the second inlet, the paddler will find themselves in the outflow of Boulder Creek. Looking around, it will quickly become apparent how this creek got its name. Strewn about the landscape above and below the water line, car-sized boulders provide a picturesque backdrop. These boulders started their lives near the top of Shasta Bally and came down during dramatic and dangerous debris flow events in years past.

Another area you might choose to paddle to is Davis Gulch just to the east of the Brandy Creek area. Accessible by both water and trail, Davis Gulch offers some swimming areas as well as opportunities to spot wildlife in the air, along the shore, and below the water’s surface. Keep an eye out for lake trout and pike minnow as well as a western box turtle or two warming themselves on a log. River otters, great blue herons, green herons, and belted kingfishers have also been known to frequent this popular spot hoping to enjoy a crawfish.

A third option for exploration is the Whiskey Creek arm (or bay) of Whiskeytown Lake. The Whiskey Creek area offers everything from osprey, bald eagles, and great blue heron to remnants of California’s rich gold mining history. Paddling a hundred yards north from the boat launch will bring you to Whiskey Creek. Depending on the time of year, you may spot a run of the lake-bound Kokanee salmon laying eggs for the next generation. Keep an eye out for bear along the shore as they to love a good salmon supper.

No matter where you choose to go, we hope that paddling on Whiskeytown Lake will be an adventure you will want to return to again and again. Have fun and stay safe!