Whiskeytown Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area
Whiskeytown Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area
Whiskeytown Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, a region in northern California, encompasses a diverse landscape of rugged mountains, expansive reservoirs, and dense forests. Elevations range from approximately 1,000 feet along the lake shores to over 6,200 feet at peaks like Shasta Bally, offering varied terrain for outdoor pursuits. The area is characterized by its three major reservoirsβWhiskeytown Lake, Shasta Lake, and Trinity Lakeβand a blend of chaparral woodlands and mixed conifer forests, making it suitable for several sports like hiking. Thisβ¦
8
Routes
4.7
(6)
Average rating
54
People visited

2
hikers
19.9km
07:22
1,700m
570m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

13.8km
05:29
1,140m
90m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

22.6km
07:28
1,100m
1,020m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.33km
01:25
270m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Whiskeytown Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area is located in northern California, spanning 246,087 acres. It features rugged mountains, expansive reservoirs, and diverse forests. The area is jointly managed by the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service.
The recreation area offers various outdoor activities, primarily hiking, with an extensive multi-use trail system. It includes 1 route on komoot, which has an average rating of 4.63 stars from 11 ratings. More than 50 visitors have shared their experiences in the area.
Popular hiking trails include the James K. Carr Trail to Whiskeytown Falls, the Crystal Creek Falls path, and the Mount Shasta Mine Loop Trail. Trails to Shasta Bally offer panoramic views. For more information, consult the Hiking in Whiskeytown Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area guide.
Yes, the area offers easy and accessible paths. An example is the Crystal Creek Falls path, which is approximately 0.8 miles (1.3 km) long. This trail provides access to the 140-foot (43-meter) Crystal Creek Falls.
The recreation area includes strenuous mountain climbs with significant elevation gains. Trails leading to the summit of Shasta Bally, the tallest mountain in the Whiskeytown unit at over 6,200 feet (1,890 meters), offer challenging experiences and panoramic views.
The area features three major reservoirs: Whiskeytown Lake, Shasta Lake, and Trinity Lake. Notable mountains include Shasta Bally, and there are several waterfalls such as Whiskeytown Falls, Crystal Creek Falls, Boulder Creek Falls, and Brandy Creek Falls.
Hikers can visit several waterfalls, including the 220-foot (67-meter) Whiskeytown Falls via the 3.4-mile (5.5-km) James K. Carr Trail. Other waterfalls include the 140-foot (43-meter) Crystal Creek Falls, the 80-foot (24-meter) Boulder Creek Falls, and the 170-foot (52-meter) Brandy Creek Falls.
The area has historical significance tied to the California Gold Rush era and the indigenous Wintu peoples. Visitors can explore historical mining features and learn about post-fire ecology in areas affected by past wildfires.
Komoot offers a comprehensive guide titled Hiking in Whiskeytown Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. This guide provides detailed information on hiking opportunities within the region.
The official website for Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is www.nps.gov/whis. The phone number for the Whiskeytown Visitor Center is +1-530-246-1225.
Yes, the recreation area offers trails suitable for families. Easy, accessible paths like the 0.8-mile (1.3-km) Crystal Creek Falls trail provide a good option for visitors of all ages to enjoy the natural surroundings.

