Waterfall Week at Whiskeytown Lake April 25-May 3, 2009

Late April: the longer days bring more sunshine that melts the snow in the mountains around Whiskeytown Lake, sending the water rushing down the steep slopes. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area has several waterfalls; three in particular are spectacular, including Whiskeytown Falls, and also Crystal Creek Falls.

April 25 begins Waterfall Week, and it’s a great time to hit the trails and hike to a beautiful waterfall at Whiskeytown.

Here’s the press release from Whiskeytown National Recreation Area:

April 25 through May 3 has been designated “Waterfall Week” at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Waterfall Week is timed to encourage visits to the park’s three major waterfalls during their peak flows when snowmelt off of Shasta Bally Mountain provides the most water for spectacular displays of rushing whitewater. New trail construction and bridges have been designed to allow safe access year-round, including these high flow periods. Waterfall Week encourages families, friends and children to get outside, enjoy nature’s beauty and get some good exercise in the process. The celebration also includes a fee-free day on Sunday April 26, when the park will waive the normal daily entrance fee of $5.00.

Ranger-Guided Hikes: Waterfall hikes will be scheduled in the morning on the weekends and each evening Monday through Friday during Waterfall Week. Space is limited for these special hikes and reservations will be taken starting Sunday April 12 by calling (530) 246-1225. In addition, rangers will be available for school groups during the week through the end of the school year. Schools are encouraged to call ranger Clinton Kane at (530) 242-3451 to reserve a date and time for individual school hikes to Whiskeytown Falls.

Waterfall Stamp Card: Adults and children can obtain a free waterfall stamp card at the Visitor Center or at the waterfall registration boxes located at the base of each waterfall. After signing the journal, visitors can use a pencil or crayon to make a rubbing off a bronze plaque that is unique to each waterfall. Return your completed card with the rubbing from each of the 3 waterfalls to the Visitor Center and receive a special gift!