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✓ Sourced from the managing agency's own page

Whiskeytown Falls

📍 Whiskeytown, CA🥾 3.4 mi round trip · strenuous🎟 National Park Service entrance pass required (7-day or annual)

A 220-ft waterfall on a 3.4-mile strenuous hike; available year-round with an NPS pass; dogs allowed if leashed.

Getting there

strenuous3.4 mi round trip220 ftDog-friendly

National Park Service entrance pass required (7-day or annual)

Flow / best time to visit

NPS lists the trail as available year-round.

Our take

Whiskeytown Falls is a 220-ft waterfall on a strenuous 3.4-mile hike in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. The trail is maintained year-round, making this a reliable destination regardless of season.

An NPS pass is required for access. Dogs are welcome if kept on leash. The strenuous rating means this hike is best suited for experienced hikers with solid fitness.

The year-round availability and dog-friendly policy make this a flexible option for repeat visits and multi-season exploration.

Planning your visit

Best time to go

NPS lists the trail as available year-round.

How long to budget

2-2.5 hours

What to bring

  • NPS pass required
  • Keep dogs leashed

Who it suits

Good for

  • experienced hikers
  • year-round access
  • dog-friendly (leashed)

Skip it if

Strenuous hike; not suitable for beginners.

Common questions

Is there a fee to visit Whiskeytown Falls?

National Park Service entrance pass required (7-day or annual)

How do I get to Whiskeytown Falls?

Via a 3.4-mile round-trip trail rated strenuous by the managing agency.

Can I bring my dog to Whiskeytown Falls?

Yes, per the managing agency's own page — but check current leash rules before you go.

Whiskeytown Falls in Northern California

We track 9 waterfalls in Northern California.

Other waterfalls near Whiskeytown

There is 1 other waterfall we track in Shasta County. All Northern California waterfalls →

Quick facts

Height220 ft
Trail3.4 mi round trip
Difficultystrenuous
Fee / permitNational Park Service entrance pass required (7-day or annual)
Managing agencyNational Park Service — Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
DogsAllowed
SwimmingNot published
ADA accessNot published
CountyShasta County
RegionNorthern California
Official pageView source ↗

Source

nps.gov

NPS 'Hike to Whiskeytown Falls' and entrance-fee/pets pages, checked Aug 2026. NPS calls the James K. Carr Trail 'moderately strenuous' with 600+ ft of elevation gain. Leashed dogs allowed on trails. Trail runs through an area only lightly burned in the 2018 Carr Fire.

Checked August 2026.