Shasta Bally

Overview

Shasta Bally is the tallest mountain in the Whiskeytown unit of the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National recreation area. If you are a mountain bike rider, this is the place for you. Home of one of the original mountain bike classics, the Whiskeytown Downhill race was first won by nonother than Gary Fisher, one of the fathers of mountain biking. Shasta Bally, with its 4,989 ft vertical drop over 8 miles ending at Whiskeytown Lake, makes for one hell of a downhill run. While the "original" race is no longer, there are a number of competitive rides in the area.

For striking out on your own for a casual ride or run, there are also many miles of singletrack trails and dirt roads (check with the visitor center, located at the junction of 299 and Kennedy Memorial Drive, for singletrack trails and maps) in the area with very few restrictions for biking, which makes for a fun day while on your way to other more serious mountainclimbing.

For a relaxing day after climbing, check out the free Ranger-guided kayak tours that are offered during the summer months through Labor Day. For reservations call 530-243-5345 between 10 AM and Noon (Pacific Time). For more information about the kayak tours and other interpretive programs visit the links on the left, more below, or call 530-246-1225.

The park is open year-round 24 hours a day. The Visitor Center is open daily Memorial Day - Labor Day 9 a.m. 6 p.m. Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years). Park Headquarters is open weekdays from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Getting There

Heading west from Redding, approximately 12 miles, on hwy 299 turn left at the top of a long incline onto Kennedy Memorial Drive. Follow Kennedy Memorial Drive for 4.2 miles. Turn left at sign marked Shasta Bally. You can park here or drive 2.6 miles to Sheep Camp (Marked sign) for a shorter hike.

The trail is basically following the road to the antenna farm near the summit. During the summer the gate is open after the snow melts. A secondary, and twice as long, route is to hike or bike in from Buckhorn Summit. This is more doable with the use of a drop off vehicle. I will add more details soon.

Entrance Fees

ENTRANCE FEES

Per Vehicle

Fees
$5.00 - Day
$10.00 - 7 Days
$25.00 - Annual
$50.00 - National Parks Pass

Details
All vehicles parked at Whiskeytown must display a valid entrance pass on the driver's side of the dashboard.

(Citations for failure to display a permit start at $50)

Valid passes include Golden Age, Golden Access, National Park, Golden Eagle, Whiskeytown (or Lassen) annual, week or day passes.

Note: Whiskeytown's Annual Pass is also honored at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Camping

Brandy Creek RV Campground

Sites are offered on a first come first served basis (no advance reservations accepted) and are paved parking spots on an access road. Summer $14.00 per night / winter $7.00 per night. Permits are available at the campground registration box. An RV dump station is available here. Phone 530-246-1225


Dry Creek Group Tent Campground

Two group-only campsites are available (tents only). Each can hold a maximum of 50 people and are available by reservation. There is a $13.65 fee to change or cancel a reservation.
Phone 1-800-365-CAMP


Oak Bottom Campground

Lakeside tent sites are $18.00/night with other tent sites $16.00/night. RV sites (separate parking lot sites) are $14.00. Reservations are available for the summer season from May 15th through September 15th. There is a $13.65 fee to change or cancel a reservation. There is an RV dump station located here. No reservations are required during the winter season, sites are only available on a first-come-first-served basis at $10.00/night for both tent and RV sites. Phone 1-800-365-CAMP


Primitive Tent Campsites

These sites are available only on a first-come-first-served basis. Permits available at the Visitor Center (no advanced reservations accepted). These sites are located away from the lake and are accessible by dirt road. Campsites are $10.00/night year-round.
Phone 530 246-1225

Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area

Three group day-use picnic areas are available. Site 1 holds 50 people at $50.00/day, site 2 & 3 hold 40 people each at $40.00/day by reservation only. There is a $13.65 fee to change or cancel a reservation. Phone 1-800-365-CAMP

Mountain Conditions

For current weather and lake level information: NPS Whiskeytown Weather.

External Links

• Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
  Highlights NPS programs and services, fee information, and current weather link.