Whiskeytown Lake National Recreation Area
Whiskeytown lakeside camping, courtesy National Park Service
Whiskeytown Lake National Recreation Area is an outdoor lover's paradise. You'll need a California fishing license to catch rainbow trout on the lake or at the power plant. Hike to one of five cascading waterfalls in the spring when snow runoff is heavy; the highest one is the 220-foot Whiskeytown Falls. Kayak or swim in the lake, then retire to your campsite at one of four campgrounds. Oak Bottom Campground is improved. Primitive campsites are on dirt roads. An RV campground and group tent campground are available. The area is open year-round.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
14412 Kennedy Memorial Drive
Whiskeytown, CA 96095
(530) 242-3400
http://www.nps.gov/whis
Jack London State Historic Park
Jack London's office, jimmy dm, flickr.com
Jack London wrote his now famous books such as "Call of the Wild" in the cottage at the Jack London State Historic Park, located in Glen Ellen, Calif. His widow wanted his memory preserved and donated the land to the state when she died. Take a picnic and backcountry hike or ride your bike on the trails, which lead to London's grave, a dam and lake, and an overlook of the Valley of the Moon. The park is open for day use only; water fountains and restrooms are available. Dogs may not go onto backcountry trails. The park offers guided one-hour tours and guided trail rides.
Jack London State Historic Park
2400 London Ranch Road
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
(707) 938-5216
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=478
Channel Islands National Park
Gorgonian anenome, Channel Islands, by Ed Bierman, flickr.com
Visit the Channel Islands National Park to snorkel, swim or scuba dive in the mysterious caves and beautiful kelp forests. The best islands for this trip are Anacapa, eastern Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara Islands. The park recommends that you dive or snorkel with a friend and always wear a helmet when diving into the sea caves. No lifeguards are available. This national park is open all year.
Channel Islands National Park
1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 658-5730
http://www.nps.gov/chis
