Monday, May 22, 2006
The National Park Service will offer free ranger-guided kayak tours and a variety of other programs at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area this Memorial Day weekend. “We are pleased to offer this great opportunity to park visitors again this year,” stated Whiskeytown Superintendent Jim Milestone. “The kayak program is one of our more popular activities where people can have fun exploring the lake with a park ranger while learning more about Whiskeytown.”
Weekend activities also include a Junior Firefighter program, tours of the historic Camden Home, goldpanning and a special hike on Sunday, May 28, to Whiskeytown Falls. “There has been a tremendous amount of interest in visiting one of the tallest waterfalls in Shasta County,” said superintendent Jim Milestone. “We hope that by offering more tours with smaller groups people can experience the beauty and splendor of the falls in a more personal way,” continued Milestone. The National Park Service plans to offer several hikes to Whiskeytown Falls every month through the spring and summer seasons. Hikes to other popular waterfalls on Brandy and Boulder Creeks will also be offered during the summer.
Beginning Friday, May 26, 2006, the Visitor Center will have extended hours and be open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Located 8 miles west of Redding at the intersection of Highway 299 and Kennedy Memorial Drive, the Visitor Center offers exhibits on the history and development of the Whiskeytown area as well as information on interpretive programs, camping, and other local information. Annual ($25), weekly ($10), or daily ($5) entrance passes are required for all visits to Whiskeytown, including ranger-led programs. Passes may be purchased at the Visitor Center or at pay stations located within the park.
For more information 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 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 kayak reservations please call (530) 242-3462 on weekdays (Monday through Friday) beginning Monday, May 22. Reservations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis between 9:00 am and 12 noon only, until all kayak tours are full for the Memorial Day weekend. All kayak-program participants must know how to swim and will be required to wear a life vest. The park will provide tandem kayaks for up to sixteen participants. Park visitors with their own kayaks are welcome to accompany the tour group. Each six to twelve year old child must be accompanied by an adult who will serve as their kayak partner. Groups of children over twelve must be accompanied by at least one responsible adult. The kayak program is not available for children younger than six years old.
Saturday, May 27
Kayak Tours 10:00 am - noon and 1:00 - 3:00 pm, reservations required: Hop on a kayak built for two and explore some of the quiet coves around Whiskeytown Lake. Take a peek at the local inhabitants and learn how they manage to live in an ever-changing environment. For reservations, call (530) 242-3462 Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 12 noon only, beginning Monday, May 22.
Junior Firefighter 11:00 am - noon: Discover the role that wildfire plays in our National Parks. Learn how firefighters manage fire to protect property and lives and to improve forest health. Meet at Oak Bottom Amphitheater or call the Visitor Center at 530-246-1225 to find out how you can become a Junior Firefighter.
Camden House 2:00 - 3:00 pm 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. Discover how the area became a regional center of transportation and the efforts by the National Park Service to revitalize the historic orchard started by Levi Tower. Meet across the footbridge at the Tower House Historic District. Call 246-1225 for more information.
Gold Panning 3:15 - 4:00 pm 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 across the footbridge at the Tower House Historic District. Call 246-1225 for more information.
Sunday, May 28
Take A Hike! (Reservations required) To make reservations and for specific information about the hike please call the Visitor Center at 246-1225, which is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Join a park ranger on a hike to experience a cool and refreshing view of the newly re-discovered Whiskeytown Falls. Space is limited to 30 people. The 1.7-mile hike to Whiskeytown Falls is considered strenuous with several steep climbs, drop-offs, and places with narrow footing. Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. Dress appropriately for various weather conditions. Bring drinking water and consider bringing a hat, camera, binoculars, and hiking staff. All vehicles must have a valid Whiskeytown entrance pass.
Kayak Tours 10:00 am - noon and 1:00 - 3:00 pm, reservations required: Hop on a kayak built for two and explore some of the quiet coves around Whiskeytown Lake. Take a peek at the local inhabitants and learn how they manage to live in an ever-changing environment. For reservations, call (530) 242-3462 Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 12 noon only, beginning Monday, May 22.
Camden House 2:00 - 3:00 pm 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. Discover how the area became a regional center of transportation and the efforts by the National Park Service to revitalize the historic orchard started by Levi Tower. Meet across the footbridge at the Tower House Historic District. Call 246-1225 for more information.
Gold Panning 3:15 - 4:30 pm 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 across the footbridge at the Tower House Historic District. Call 246-1225 for more information.
Monday, May 29
Kayak Tours 10:00 am - noon and 1:00 - 3:00 pm, reservations required: Hop on a kayak built for two and explore some of the quiet coves around Whiskeytown Lake. Take a peek at the local inhabitants and learn how they manage to live in an ever-changing environment. For reservations, call (530) 242-3462 Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 12 noon only, beginning Monday, May 22.
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