Kayaking programs are among the activities that will be offered at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in California during the long Memorial Day holiday weekend/NPS

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in California will offer a variety of ranger-guided activities during the Memorial Day weekend. Activities will include the ever-popular kayak programs, a “Walk-in-Time” excursion at the Tower House Historic District, and Stand-Up Paddleboard programs.

Kayak and paddlboard programs require a reservation and can be made by calling (530) 242-3462 Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. No reservations are required for the Walk-in-Time Program. Descriptions of the Memorial Day weekend and summer season interpretive programs are available on the park website.

The Whiskeytown Visitor Center will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located just 8 miles west of Redding, California, at the intersection of Highway 299 and Kennedy Memorial Drive, the visitor center offers exhibits on the history and development of the Whiskeytown area, a Junior Ranger Program as well as information on summer interpretive programs, camping, and other local information. Annual and weekly passes, books, maps, postcards and other publications and souveniers can also be purchased at the visitor center.

In addition to the ranger-guided activities, the Whiskeytown Sailing Club will be holding the 53rd Annual Memorial Regatta on Whiskeytown Lake May 27th and 28th.

For more information, please contact the visitor center at (530) 246-1225 or visit the park’s website at: www.nps.gov/whis.

Memorial Day Weekend Activities

All programs are subject to change; please call the visitor center at (530) 246-1225 for the most current information. Although participants must have a valid park entrance pass to participate, there is no additional fee for attending any of the park programs.

For Memorial Day weekend kayak or paddle board reservations, please call (530) 242-3462 on weekdays (Monday through Friday). Reservations will be accepted on a first-come/first-served basis between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. only, until all programs are full. All kayak and paddle board program participants must be comfortable in the water and will be required to wear a life vest at all times (life vest provided). The park will provide tandem kayaks for up to twenty participants for the kayak programs, and stand-up paddle boards for up to ten participants. Park visitors with their own kayaks and paddle boards are welcome to accompany the tour group. Each six-to-12-year-old child must be accompanied by an adult who will serve as their kayak partner.

Kayak Programs:
May 27, 28, and 29 - 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (2 hours) - reservations required.
Hop on a kayak built for two and explore some of the quiet coves around Whiskeytown Lake with a ranger. Take a peek at the local inhabitants and learn how they manage to live in an ever-changing environment.

Stand-Up Paddle Board Program:
May 27, 28, and 29 - 2 p.m. (1.5 hours) – reservations required.
Ready for a new challenge? Thanks to generous support from the Friends of Whiskeytown and Dignity Health, paddle boards have been added to our fleet. Designed for those with little or no previous experience on a paddle board, a ranger will teach the basics and help you gain confidence with this new skill.

Walk-in-Time:
May 28 – 10 a.m. (2 hours) – no reservations required
Tour the 1852 home of pioneer/prospector Charles Camden and learn how he and his partner Levi Tower reshaped the landscape during the California Gold Rush. Hear stories both old and new to gain an appreciation for the vital role this area has played and continues to play as the National Park Service revitalizes the historic orchard started by Levi Tower. Discover the myths and realities of the Gold Rush days, and then try your luck at finding your own gold the old fashioned way. Pans and shovels are provided. Meet at the Tower House Historic District parking lot.