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!
Artist in the Parks: Call for Artists
Whiskeytown would like to invite local musicians and painters to participate in this year’s Waterfall Week Celebration. Musicians and artists will be stationed along the trails leading to both Whiskeytown Falls and Crystal Creek Falls. The addition of music and visual arts to the outdoor experience is meant to enhance the park guest’s experience. Musicians and plein aire artists who would like additional information or who may be interested in participating in Whiskeytown National Recreation Areas 2009 Waterfall Week Celebration should contact Sheila Edridge at Whiskeytown.Art@gmail.com or call her at 530-396-2353.
Handicap Accessible Waterfall: For visitors with a valid entrance pass and a handicap vehicle placard, the National Park Service will allow special entrance to the service access road to Lower Crystal Creek Falls. Please check in at the Visitor Center for instructions and a map on how to visit this beautiful waterfall just off Crystal Creek Road. A picnic table and barbecue grill is available at the falls for all visitors to enjoy.
If you have questions regarding Waterfall Week, please contact Clinton Kane at (530) 242-3451. For more information about Whiskeytown National Recreation Area go to: www.nps.gov/whis
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
