TRINITY COUNTY WILDERNESS LAKES, BIKING AND HIKING TRAILS, WILD & SCENIC RIVERS
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old lured the first settlers to Trinity County, even before the Gold Rush of 1848! Pirate Bill English and his rogue crew discovered gold on the Trinity River near Big Bar, and left with their purses full. The rediscovery of gold in Trinity River, just a few months after the famous discovery at Sutter’s Mill, brought thousands of miners to the county and the towns of Weaverville and Lewiston grew out of that turning point.
Today, about 13,500 people call Trinity home. Most of the area is forestland, with beautiful scenery and natural lakes in the Trinity Alps Wilderness, named for its snow-capped peaks and glaciers that are reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. This 500,000-acre wilderness area, with 9,000 foot tall jagged peaks and sawtooth ridges, alpine meadows, and deep glaciated canyons, is the second largest in California and one of the largest in the United States. There are a lifetime of hiking destinations awaiting the wilderness lovers who come to Trinity County. The Trinity Alps springs and snow melt feed the 165-mile long Trinity River, a National Wild and Scenic River that can be enjoyed for nearly year-round kayaking, rafting, fishing, and swimming. Weaverville, located along Highway 299, provides a nostalgic step back in time. Listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, Weaverville’s history began in the 1800s as Chinese men and women came to the region with Euro-Americans, all searching for the abundant gold. In 1852, the Chinese established a Taoist temple in Weaverville. Though the original “Joss House” burned in 1873, its replacement is now a state landmark and park and remains a place of worship. The Weaver Basin Trail System is threaded through this storied region. This trail network is recognized as a premier single track mountain bike venue and is a favorite among horsemen and day hikers. The trails also host many bike and trail riding competitions. West of Weaverville, the ghost town of Helena is Trinity’s second of three National Registry sites. Nearby, the La Grange Mine, a state landmark, was once the largest hydraulic mine in California and one of the largest mines in the world.
Joss House State Historic Park Photo: Rob Crenson TRINITY COUNTY
The nearby town of Hayfork is both reminiscent of a frontier village, and home to the Natural Bridge, a natural phenomenon with historical relevance. Natural Bridge is a
limestone arch thrown across a narrow ravine by nature and holds strong ties to the Native Americans who inhabit the area. Lewiston also offers history buffs great opportunities to explore, plus delightful photographic captures including 20 town structures that are listed in the National Registry. Nearby Lewiston Lake is a great choice for boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and yes – glamping. Trinity Lake, the third largest lake in California, has 145 miles of shoreline and is uncrowded even during the peak summer months. Secluded, tree-lined coves are perfect for anglers and houseboaters, and local marinas rent houseboats and offer other types of watercraft. The lake community of Trinity Center was built using old Trinity Center buildings that had to be moved before the lake was filled in 1961. One building, the Trinity Center I.O.O.F. Hall, is a State Point of Historic Interest. The Bowerman Barn in nearby Covington Mill is another beautiful example of pioneer craftsmanship and is also in the National Registry. If you’re still hungry for history, you can trace North Trinity’s past at the Scott Museum. Resorts in the Coffee Creek area, just north of Trinity Lake, serve as gateways to amazing hikes into the Trinity Alps Wilderness and relaxing days along Coffee Creek. In Southern Trinity County, the Ruth Lake region is another horseback riding and water recreation destination, with boating, camping, and fishing. Camp lakeside, hike the YollaBolly Wilderness, or simply relax and enjoy a dark sky night with the brilliant constellations guiding you to your next Trinity adventure. For further information contact ShastaCascade Wonderland Association at 800-474-2782 or www.shastacascade.com.
Shasta Cascade Visitors Guide
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