News Release

Whiskeytown’s South Shore Drive to re-open Thursday, September 26th

Whiskeytown NRA South Shore Area

NPS

News Release Date: September 25, 2019

Contact: Josh Hoines, 530-242-3460

Whiskeytown, Calif. – The National Park Service is pleased to announce the re-opening of South Shore Drive from Dry Creek Group Campground to Carr Powerhouse. Gates at both ends will swing open on Thursday, September 26th at 9:00 AM. This ten mile stretch of unpaved road gains 1,594 feet in elevation, and is steep and narrow in places. Drive with caution, obey posted speed limits, and adjust speed according to conditions. This marks the latest progress in a phased opening strategy following the devastating effects of the Carr Fire.

The work necessary to reach this recovery milepost has been staggering. To date nearly 6000 hazard trees have been removed in developed areas and along roads. While thousands of trees have been removed, hazards still exist. Stay alert for falling trees, especially on windy days, and obey all closures. Hunters and other users should use extreme caution when traveling by foot and off-trail. The areas near (500ft on either side) Boulder Creek, Brandy Creek, Mill Creek and Paige Boulder Creek remain closed to the public due to threat of debris flows.

Debris flows remain the highest threat to life, health, and safety in the wake of the fire and the potential for a debris flow increases during fall and winter storms. Safety is the top priority. For this reason, open areas could close at short notice at any time in the event of heavy rain.

Open trails in the park include Crystal Creek Water Ditch, Crystal Creek Falls, Shasta Divide Nature Trail, Guardian Rock, Buck Hollow, Mule Mountain Pass, Shasta Mine Loop, Prospect, Clear Creek Canal, Oak Bottom Ditch, Old 299, Davis Gulch, and the lower portion of the Brandy Creek trail from JFK Memorial Drive to Brandy Creek Beach.

On September 23, Brandy Creek Beach transitioned to fall hours, and is now open 9:00 AM-6:00 PM daily. Brandy Creek Beach will close for the winter on November 1.

The Whiskeytown visitor center is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Located just eight miles west of Redding at the intersection of Highway 299 and JFK Memorial Drive, the visitor center offers exhibits on the history and development of the Whiskeytown area, a self-guiding Junior Ranger booklet, as well as information on camping, and other local information. Park entrance passes, books, maps, postcards and other publications and souvenirs can all be purchased at the visitor center. Your purchases help support park recovery, volunteers, and interpretive programs at Whiskeytown.

You can purchase weekly and annual Whiskeytown passes any time of the day, at home on your computer or on the go with your smart device. Visit www.yourpassnow.com and select Whiskeytown National Recreation Area from the drop-down menu to pay online. Whiskeytown weekly and annual passes may also be purchased through www.recreation.gov. For general information on Whiskeytown, please visit www.nps.gov/whis.