Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area (NRA)

Shasta Unit

The Shasta Unit is one of three units that comprise the Whiskeytown - Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. It was established by Congress in 1965. These areas were recognized for their unique and varied recreation potential.

Vicinity Map of the Whiskeytown - Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

We also have the Shasta Lake Unit Map and the Shasta Lake Boating Safety Map. These maps are also available in our offices at no charge.  For information on obtaining the Shasta-Trinity National Forest map as well as many other National Forest maps, please browse to the Maps & Brochures page.

Shasta Lake forms the core of the Shasta Unit and offers recreationist a variety of outdoor activities including: boating, water-skiing, swimming, fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking, hunting, and mountain biking.

Recreation Opportunities

The link below is to Bureau of Reclamation website that shows the following:

• Daily operations report* that shows lake levels, inflow and releases Shasta, Trinity and Whiskeytown reservoirs.  Once you are at this site, you will need to do a "refresh" to get current data.
• Due to low lake levels, as of July 8, 2008, the Shasta County Boating Sheriffs office has implemented the following Low Water Safety Restrictions.

For specific information about the many recreation opportunities and facilities that are offered at Shasta Lake and surrounding areas, please select one of the following. 

*These document are in Adobe Acrobat format (get Adobe Reader).  Some of these documents are rather large and may take a few minutes to appear, depending on your connection speed to the Internet.

• Boating (public ramps)

  Boat Ramps at Shasta Lake*(135Kb)

  Boat Rentals at Shasta Lake 2008*(131Kb)

• Public Boat Ramps with Loading Platforms and receivers that can accommodate the use of patient lifts.
  NOTE: We have put together a list of all facilities on the on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and which ones are accessible.
• Camping (public campgrounds) 

  Shasta Unit Camping 2008*(79Kb)

  Bear Precautions for Houseboating & Camping*(61Kb)

  Guide to I-5 Campgrounds*(89Kb)

  How far to the Water?*(53Kb)

  Iron Canyon Reservoir*(133Kb)

• Commercial Links (privately owned campgrounds, marinas and other facilities)

  Commercial Services at Shasta Lake 2008*(44Kb)

• Day Use/Picnic
• Event Calendar (Interpretive Programs and Tours)
• Off-Highway-Vehicle Areas
• Points of Interest & Watchable Wildlife Areas

  Samwel Cave - A Spelunker's Guide*(535Kb)

  Hirz Mountain Lookout Rental Program

• Trails

  Shasta Lake Trails Guide*(682Kb)

• Bald Eagles of Shasta and Trinity Lakes*(169Kb)
• Fishing at Shasta Lake*(188Kb)
• Sightseeing on Shasta Lake*(764Kb)