If you’re looking for an on-the-water experience, a short, 10-mile drive from Redding will take you to the 3,200-acre Whiskeytown reservoir. You can put in your boat at one of three launches (Brandy Creek Marina, Oak Bottom and Whiskey Creek) or rent pontoons, canoes, kayaks and other fishing crafts from the Oak Bottom Marina. Adventures, excursions, and kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals can also be arranged in advance through Headwaters Adventure Company in Redding
The water is perfect for swimming, and fishing prospects include rainbow and brown trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, spotted bass and kokanee salmon. Surrounded by a 39,000-acre wilderness, you’re sure to float by plenty of wildlife. If you’re observant, you’ll spy bald eagles that breed in the area, and mountain lions, black bears, blacktail deer and turtles are always on the prowl. Boating is the perfect way to see abundant wildflowers in the spring or experience the glory of fall colors.
WHERE: Visitor Center, 14412 Kennedy Memorial Dr., Whiskeytown (google map)
MORE INFO: 530-246-1225 | www.nps.gov
Oak Bottom Marina, 530-359-2671 | WhiskeytownMarinas.com
Headwaters Adventure Company, 530-223-2411 | HeadwatersAdventure.com