Evening (5:00 Pm-7:30 Pm) Kayak at Oak Bottom

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Ranger Guided Programs

Meet the ranger at Oak Bottom Marina at the kayak shed near the amphitheater. Hop on a tandem kayak with a friend and enjoy exploring the islands and quiet coves of Whiskeytown Lake on a ranger-led tour. Whiskeytown Lake is nestled among the hills and valleys of the Klamath Mountains in northern California. The Lake features a 36-mile shoreline and a surface area of 3,200 acres. The reservoir remains full in summer, providing exceptional water recreation in a beautiful mountain setting. Heavy winter rains, long dry summers, and frequent wildfires create diverse habitats, from old-growth forests to oak woodlands and chaparral. Over 1,100 plant and animal species live here, including gray pine, blue oak, black bear and rainbow trout.
People have valued this land for thousands of years. The discovery of gold nearby in 1848, only months after it was found farther south at Sutter’s Mill, brought fortune hunters known as 49ers. Today people continue to value the cultural history, clean water, wildlife habitat, power-generating facilities, and numerous recreational opportunities provided and protected by this park.

Select a date to see a list of times

Need to Know

• Fees and Cancellations.

  The tour is free. A non-refundable $1.00 reservation fee per person applies. If you have made reservations and are unable to reschedule or attend your scheduled tour, please cancel your reservation to open space for other participants, as all tours are in high demand. Park staff cancel tours for unsafe conditions, including but not limited to insufficient staffing, extreme or inclement weather, and wild fires.

  The park charges an entrance fee. Please pay your entrance fee before you arrive for your tour either at the visitor center, or by purchasing in advance through www.recreation.gov.

  Visit the park Fees and Passes web page for details. https://www.nps.gov/whis/planyourvisit/fees.htm 

• Arrive on Time:

  If you arrive late and miss the safety briefing, you will not be permitted on the program. Please plan for summer traffic and other unforeseen delays.

• Equipment.

  The park provides all equipment (life jackets, boats, boards, paddles). No personal equipment allowed.

• Age Limits.

  Kayak tour participants must be at least six years of age, and children under 12 must be paired with an adult age 18 or older. For paddle board tours, children must be at least ten years old and attend with an adult age 18 or older.

• Weight Limits.

  Weight limit is 400 pounds total capacity for tandem (2 seat) kayaks, and 220 pounds for paddle boards (single capacity).

• How to Dress/ What to Bring:

  Life jackets are provided for adults and children. Everyone is required to wear them at all times during tours, including swim stops. We recommend you wear a t-shirt under your life jacket for hygienic reasons. Bring water for each person and wear clothing and footwear that can get wet. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are highly recommended. Be sure glasses are secured to the head with a strap. Visitors are required to wear proper footwear such as old tennis shoes, water shoes, or strap-on sandals that will stay on the feet at all times during the tour. Visitors who are wearing flip-flops or are barefoot will not be allowed to participate for safety reasons!

• Prohibited:

  Firearms, alcoholic beverages, coolers, smoking, pets. Bring electronic equipment (cameras, phones, watches) at your own risk.

• Health/ Physical Ability.

  Everyone must be in good health with no recent illnesses or surgery. Everyone must be comfortable in the water, and able to get back into a kayak or onto a paddle board under their own power should they fall in. Participants should be prepared and able to lift and carry kayaks, boards, and other equipment for short distances. Visitors not able to do this should advise park rangers. Those with special needs must contact the park at least two weeks in advance to determine suitability/ ability to accommodate needs.

  If you feel sick please stay safe and stay home. 

  Thank you for keeping everyones health and safety a priority.

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