Explore More: Kayaking Whiskeytown

In an effort to enjoy summer a bit more, I decided to start this series. Since my move, I am consistently reminded that I get to live in a place that many people across the country come and vacation.  While I have a job and daily responsibilities that can keep my schedule busy, I am hoping to take greater advantage of this summer. Weekend trips to Big Sur, Napa, or the Redwoods, are not only feasible but are going to be more common. Be on the lookout for a lot more adventures, from the trail to the coast around this space.


To start off the series, I decided to head to one of my favorite local spots, Whiskeytown Lake. Unlike it’s other nearby counterpart, Shasta Lake, this lake is protected by the Department of the Interior, so regardless of the drought, wildfires, or water levels, this lake is always filled and ready for a day of fun on the water. (Because it’s smaller than Shasta Lake, it is also far less crowded and spot frequented by locals.) Surrounded by mountains and pine trees, I opted to explore the lake by kayak. It had been a year since I had been kayaking and was very ready to get back on the water. In the past I have done kayaking on rivers with low class rapids and a strong current, allowing paddling to not be quite as necessary.


With a windy day on the lake and the sun coming down, it was a perfect day of quiet, enjoying being outside, and a great workout. We crossed main channels, went down the bays, and ended up relaxing in the shade of a cove.

After this adventure, my heart was renewed. There’s something about getting out of the city, sitting on the water, and taking in creation. When I’m in nature and creation, I have space. Space to process, to think clearly, and to not worry about doing a single thing. When I’m there I don’t worry about time, efficiency, deadlines, or my to-do list. As the lake crashes upon the shore of the beach and I gaze into the crystal sapphire blue water, peace comes over my heart and I know that I’m in my happy place. It is in this atmosphere that I find that I’m true to self, living a beautiful life, and adventuring well with others. Whether it was conversations of family, faith, or relationships, those three hours in the sun and on the water were absolutely incredible and one worth incorporating again into the weekly rhythm of my life.


I’m thinking that kayaking Whiskeytown might become a weekly activity for me now that I have a friend to go with consistently. Who knows I might even be purchasing a kayak soon?

What are some of your favorite places to explore? If money and time weren’t an issue, where would your adventures take you?

We’d love to follow along with you on your summer adventures as we continue this series! Add your photos to instagram with the #gandgexplore more on your posts, tweets, and updates, so we can all follow along and share in your experiences.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *