Monday, May 29, 2006
The National Park Service will offer three moonlight kayak tours on Whiskeytown Lake on June 7, 8, and 9. The ranger-guided program will begin at 7:00 pm and last about two hours. Although participants must have a valid Whiskeytown entrance pass to participate, there is no additional fee for the kayak program.
“This is a unique opportunity for people to see the park from a new perspective,” stated Whiskeytown Superintendent Jim Milestone. “The moonlight kayak program will allow visitors to experience Whiskeytown’s spectacular sunset and night sky while paddling with a ranger on Whiskeytown Lake.”
Register for the tour by calling 530-242-3462 Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 12 noon, beginning Monday June 5. Only four spaces may be reserved per phone call for this special program. It is expected that the tours will fill rapidly. All moonlight kayak tour participants must be seventeen years old and know how to swim. The park will provide life jackets, paddles, and two-person kayaks for up to sixteen participants per tour. Visitors with their own kayaks are welcome to accompany the tour group, although they must check in with the ranger and attend the safety orientation prior to the start of the tour. They must also wear a lifejacket and bring a flashlight or lantern for use after dark.
Younger visitors may participate in the park’s new Junior Ranger Kayak program or the regularly scheduled summer kayak tours that start June 16. People interested in these programs can make advance reservations by calling 242-3462 Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 12 noon, also beginning Monday June 5.
Summer activities at Whiskeytown will officially begin on June 15 with an evening puppet show at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater. The puppet show, presented by the staff of the Shasta County Drug Prevention Program, has been one of the highlights of the summer activities over the last several years. This special program will begin at 8:00 pm.
"Summer is a great time to enjoy all that Whiskeytown has to offer," said park superintendent, Jim Milestone. "Most people in the area already know that Whiskeytown offers some of the best summer recreational opportunities in the north state, from hiking and mountain biking to boating and swimming," continued Milestone. "We encourage park visitors to join us for ranger-guided activities such as the kayaking and evening programs so they can learn why Whiskeytown NRA is special enough to be included with Yosemite and the Lincoln Memorial as part of America’s National Park system," concluded Milestone.
During the summer season 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 and daily park passes along with books, maps, postcards and other publications can be purchased at the Visitor Center.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at (530) 246-1225, visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/whis, or check the campground bulletin boards.
Whiskeytown’s Summer 2006 Ranger-led Program Schedule
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area offers a variety of ranger-guided activities for everyone from June 15 to September 4, 2006. All programs are subject to change. Please check the campground bulletin boards or call the Visitor Center at 246-1225 for the most current information or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/whis.
*Please note: 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 fee drop boxes located within the park.
Kayak Tours: Hop on a kayak built for two and explore some of the more quiet coves around Whiskeytown Lake while you learn more about the natural and cultural values of the park. Children must be at least six years old. All participants must know how to swim. Daily tours available. Times vary from morning tours to evening tours. Reservations are required. Register in advance by calling (530) 242-3462 Monday - Friday beginning Monday June 5 from 9 AM to Noon (Pacific Time). The reservation line is staffed by volunteers and is often busy, please be patient and continue to call.
Special moonlight tours are expected to be scheduled for:
June 7, 8, 9 (with reservations on Monday June 5) July 7, 8, 9, 10 (with reservations on Monday July 3) August 6, 7, 8 (with reservations on Monday July 31) September 4, 5, 6 (with reservations on Monday August 28) Call 242-3462 for further information.
Hike to a Waterfall! Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings Join a park ranger on a hike to experience a cool and refreshing view of one of the many waterfalls in Whiskeytown. To make reservations and for specific information about a featured waterfall (including tour dates and times), please call 530-242-3462, Monday through Friday from 9 am to noon. Space is limited to 30 people. 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.
Puppet Show: Thursdays 8:00-8:45 pm Both adults and kids are invited to join a cast of zany characters in a lively and entertaining program about how to safely enjoy Whiskeytown. Meet at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater. Call 246-1225 for more information.
Junior Ranger: Saturdays 10:00-11:00 am Kids ages 7 to 12 years old can make new friends while learning about the special wonders of Whiskeytown. Ask how you can become a Whiskeytown Junior Ranger. Meet at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater. Call 246-1225 for more information.
Junior Firefighter: Saturdays 11:00 am-12 noon Discover the role that wildfire plays in our National Parks. Learn how firefighters manage fire to protect lives and property and to ensure forest health. Meet at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater. Call 246-1225 for more information.
Junior Ranger Kayak Sundays 10:00-12:00 noon Experience nature in a unique way by exploring Whiskeytown on a kayak built for two. By joining a ranger on this program you will earn credit toward becoming a Whiskeytown Junior Ranger, and have fun all at the same time. The program is offered for children between the ages of 6 and 12, who must be accompanied by an adult. All program participants are required to know how to swim. Call 242-3462 for reservations.
Evening Program: Fridays and Saturdays 9:00- 10:00 pm From August 12 through September 2 from 8:30 - 9:30 pm Join a ranger or a guest speaker for a talk, slide show or other activity exploring the natural, cultural and recreational values that Whiskeytown offers for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Meet at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater. Call 246-1225 for more information.
Camden House: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 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 how the National Park Service has revitalized 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: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 3:15 - 4:30pm Discover the myths and realities of the Gold Rush Days, 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.
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