Best for beginner divers, 7-30m, shore entry.
Whiskeytown Lake is a freshwater artificial reef site on the Pacific Coast, offering a practical environment for beginner divers. Shore entry provides straightforward access to the water, where depths range from 7 to 30 metres. Visibility typically spans 5 to 15 metres. Divers should be prepared for significant temperature variations, as the lake features a distinct thermocline and colder layers below the surface. Exposure suits are recommended due to these temperature drops. On-site facilities include parking, toilets, showers, changing rooms, and a cafe, allowing for comfortable kit preparation and post-dive recovery. The site is well-suited for those looking to practice buoyancy and explore structural features at a controlled pace.
40.61667, -122.55000
Pack a thick wetsuit or drysuit regardless of the season, as the thermocline can deliver a sharp temperature drop well within recreational depths. The site has parking, toilets, showers, changing rooms, and a cafe on site, so you can arrive light and sort kit changes comfortably after the dive.
From Interstate 5, take Highway 44 West exit toward Downtown Redding and Eureka. From Downtown Redding, follow Highway 299 West toward Eureka for approximately 8 miles to reach the visitor center.
Expected in this region. No sightings logged here yet.
Depth
7-30m
Visibility
5-15m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Current
None
Typical Dive
40 min
No nearby dive sites found within 50km.
Yes, the site is considered a practical training ground for beginner divers with an Open Water certification.
Depths at Whiskeytown Lake range from 7 to 30 metres.
This is a shore entry site.
The main hazards are cold water temperatures and a distinct thermocline encountered at depth.
The site provides parking, toilets, showers, changing rooms, and a cafe.
Diving at Whiskeytown Lake in Redding requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Visibility at Whiskeytown Lake in Redding typically ranges from 5 metres to 15 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.
