Park

Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

California, USA Lower Sacramento watershed 40.562°, -122.558°
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Tonight low
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Campgrounds
55
Trails
13
Points of interest
5
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Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area -- California park
Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area California · Lower Sacramento watershed
About this park

Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

The Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area is nestled in northern California, offering visitors a diverse range of outdoor activities, breathtaking landscapes, and fascinating historical sites. Covering over 650,000 acres, this expansive recreation area is managed by the National Park Service and consists of three main units: Whiskeytown Lake, Shasta Lake, and the Trinity Alps.

There are several excellent reasons to visit the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. Nature enthusiasts can explore its pristine forests, majestic waterfalls, and picturesque lakes, providing ample opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. History buffs can delve into the area's rich Native American heritage and visit historical sites such as the Tower House Historic District, Whiskeytown Cemetery, and Shasta State Historic Park, which preserves the remains of the ghost town of Shasta, a once-booming gold rush town.

Some specific points of interest within the recreation area are worth exploring. Whiskeytown Lake, with its crystal-clear waters, offers a beautiful setting for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. For those seeking solitude, the remote and awe-inspiring Trinity Alps Wilderness beckons with its rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and dramatic landscapes. Shasta Lake, the largest reservoir in California, attracts boaters, water sports enthusiasts, and anglers alike.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that Mount Shasta, a dormant volcano and the second-highest peak in the Cascade Range, stands as a prominent landmark. The region is also characterized by an impressive biodiversity, harboring a wide array of plant and animal species, including black bears, bald eagles, and unique flora.

Choosing the best time of year to visit depends on personal preferences and desired activities. During the summer months (June to August), temperatures are warm, making it an ideal time for water activities and camping. Spring (March to May) is another great option, with milder weather, blooming wildflowers, and cascading waterfalls. Fall (September to November) offers pleasant temperatures, stunning autumn colors, and fewer crowds. Winter (December to February) brings snow to the higher elevations, making it perfect for winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing.

It is crucial to verify the accuracy of this information by consulting multiple independent sources, such as the official website of the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, local tourism websites, and reputable travel guides.
StateCalifornia
WatershedLower Sacramento
Latitude40.5619°
Longitude-122.5579°
In the park

Snowpack in Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

Current snow depth at SNOTEL stations inside the park boundary.

Snow stationSnowpack
Mission Ridge Snow Pillow 0 in
In the park

Camping in Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

Campgrounds inside the park, with today's conditions score.

A Antlers
Antlers
A Antlers Campground
Antlers Campground
A Arbuckle Flat
Arbuckle Flat
A Arbuckle Flat Boat In Campground
Arbuckle Flat Boat In Campground
B Bailey Cove
Bailey Cove
B Bailey Cove Campground
Bailey Cove Campground
B Beehive Point - Dispersed
Beehive Point - Dispersed
B Beehive Point Shoreline
Beehive Point Shoreline
B Boulder Creek Backcounty Camp
Boulder Creek Backcounty Camp
B Brandy Creek
Brandy Creek
B Brandy Creek Campground
Brandy Creek Campground
B Brandy Creek Rv
Brandy Creek Rv
C Chirpchatter Campground
Chirpchatter Campground
D Dekkas Rock  Group Campground
Dekkas Rock Group Campground
D Dry Creek Campground
Dry Creek Campground
G Gooseneck Cove
Gooseneck Cove
G Gooseneck Cove Boat-In Campground
Gooseneck Cove Boat-In Campground
G Greens Creek
Greens Creek
G Greens Creek Boat-In Campground
Greens Creek Boat-In Campground
G Greens Creek Campground
Greens Creek Campground
G Gregory Beach
Gregory Beach
G Gregory Creek
Gregory Creek
G Gregory Creek Campground
Gregory Creek Campground
G Gregory Creek Group Campground
Gregory Creek Group Campground
H Hirz Bay
Hirz Bay
H Hirz Bay #1 Group Campground
Hirz Bay #1 Group Campground
H Hirz Bay #2 Group Campground
Hirz Bay #2 Group Campground
H Hirz Bay Campground
Hirz Bay Campground
H Hirz Mountain Lookout
Hirz Mountain Lookout
J Jackass Spring
Jackass Spring
J Jackass Springs Campground
Jackass Springs Campground
J Jones Valley  (Lower)
Jones Valley (Lower)
J Jones Valley  (Upper)
Jones Valley (Upper)
J Jones Valley Inlet Shoreline Campground
Jones Valley Inlet Shoreline Campground
L Lakeshore East
Lakeshore East
L Lakeshore East Campground
Lakeshore East Campground
L Lakeshore Inn & Rv Park
Lakeshore Inn & Rv Park
L Lower Jones Valley Campground
Lower Jones Valley Campground
L Lower Salt Creek - Dispersed
Lower Salt Creek - Dispersed
L Lower Salt Creek Shoreline Campground
Lower Salt Creek Shoreline Campground
M Mariners Point Shoreline Campground
Mariners Point Shoreline Campground
M Moore Creek Campground
Moore Creek Campground
M Moore Creek Campground (Group/Family)
Moore Creek Campground (Group/Family)
N Nelson Point
Nelson Point
N Nelson Point Campground (Group/Family)
Nelson Point Campground (Group/Family)
N Nelson Point Group/Family Campground
Nelson Point Group/Family Campground
O Oak Bottom Campground
Oak Bottom Campground
O Ohl Olsen
Ohl Olsen
R Rend Island Campground
Rend Island Campground
S Shasta
Shasta
S Shasta (Ohv)
Shasta (Ohv)
S Shasta Campground
Shasta Campground
S Sheep Creek Campground
Sheep Creek Campground
S Ski Island
Ski Island
U Upper Jones Valley Campground
Upper Jones Valley Campground
In the park

Points of interest in Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

Landmarks and points of interest inside the park boundary.

B Bailey Cove Trailhead
Bailey Cove Trailhead
Attraction
K Kennett
Kennett
Ruins
L Lake Shasta Caverns
Lake Shasta Caverns
Attraction
P Pit River Bridge
Pit River Bridge
Bridge
S Scott Museum
Scott Museum
Museum
Detailed forecast

Plan your visit down to the hour

Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.

Hourly detail

Next 5 days, hour by hour

Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.

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Deep dive

5-day forecast table

Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.

TimeConditionTemp (°F)Snow (in)Rain (in)Humidity (%)Wind (mps)Wind dir
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Long-term outlook

15-day temperature & precipitation

Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.

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Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace

Know before you go
Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
Stay on trail
Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
Respect wildlife
Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
Pack it in, pack it out
Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
Leave what you find
Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.

Set push alerts in the Snoflo app

Save Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.

FAQ

About Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

What can I do at Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area?

Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).

How fresh is the weather data?

The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.

When is the best time to visit?

Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.

How do I get to Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area?

Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.

Can I get alerts when conditions change?

Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.

Land designation

Park & land designation reference

A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing, often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes); may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use -- recreation, grazing, mining, conservation -- with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.