Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

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Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area
IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)

Location:	Northern California, USA
Nearest city:	Redding, California
Area:	203,587 acres (823.9 km²)
Established:	November 8, 1965
Total Visitation:	740,275 (in 2005-Visitation figure for Whiskeytown Unit only)
Governing body:	National Park Service, United States Forest Service

The Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area is a United States National Recreation Area in northern California. It has a total of 203,587 acres of land, which is divided into three units, Whiskeytown, Shasta and Trinity. The recreation area was established in 1965 by the United States Congress. The National Park Service manages the Whiskeytown unit. The Shasta-Trinity National Forest surrounds the Shasta and Trinity units, so they are managed by the United States Forest Service. Recreational activities available include camping, fishing, swimming, boating and hiking.

[edit] Whiskeytown Unit

Of the three parts of the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, the Whiskeytown Unit, authorized Nov. 8, 1965 and established October 21,1972, is the only unit administered by the National Park Service. The unit is dominated by Whiskeytown Lake, which was created by diverting water through tunnels and penstocks, from the Trinity River Basin to the Sacramento River Basin.

Lake based recreational opportunities are Whiskeytown's primary focus during the hot and dry summer months. Whiskeytown Lake provides 36 miles of shoreline and 3,200 acres (13 km²) of water, and is excellent for most water-related activities including swimming, boating, water skiing, fishing and scuba diving. Personal watercraft are prohibited on Whiskeytown lake, but are still allowed on Shasta Lake and Trinity Lake. Whiskeytown Lake has become a popular area for kayaking, long distance swimming and rowing. Ranger guided programs are offered during the summer months and include free kayak tours. Year round activities include picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, trail running, photography, bird watching and wildlife viewing on and near the lake, as well as in the mountainous back country. California Gold Rush history and remains are also found at Whiskeytown.

The most prominent landmark in the area is Shasta Bally, with an elevation of 6,209 feet (1,893 m). The summit may be reached on foot and by 4-wheel drive vehicle. It is closed in the winter. In 2005, park staff discovered Whiskeytown Falls, a three-tiered waterfall with a 400-foot drop.