TRINITY COUNTY

WILD & SCENIC RIVERS, BIKING AND HIKING TRAILS, WILDERNESS LAKES

Today, about 16,100 people call Trinity home. Most of the county is forestland, with beautiful scenery and natural lakes in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The Wilderness is named for its snow-capped peaks and glaciers that are reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. With 9,000-foottall jagged peaks and sawtooth ridges, alpine meadows, and deep glaciated canyons, the Trinity Alps is the second largest wilderness in California and one of the largest in the United States.

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 is the ghost town of Helena, 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.

The valley 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.

The historical community of Lewiston 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 coves are perfect for anglers and houseboaters. You can rent houseboats and other types of watercraft at the local marina. 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 hikes in the Trinity Alps Wilderness and relaxing days along Coffee Creek.

In Southern Trinity County, the Ruth Lake region is a horseback riding and water recreation destination, with boating, camping, and fishing. You can camp lakeside, hike the Yolla-Bolly Wilderness, or simply relax and enjoy a dark sky night with the brilliant constellations guiding you to your next Trinity adventure.

Head to VisitTrinity.com for specific information about Trinity County recreation, lodging, and activities. With the Trinity Alps as a backdrop, you won’t find a more beautiful place to explore.

For further information on the entire UpStateCA region call 530-365-7500 or visit www.UpStateCA.com.

Museums

J.J. Jackson Memorial Museum, Trinity County Historical Park

Tells the history of Trinity County through indoor and outdoor exhibits on Native Americans, gold mining, early transportation and clothing. Live exhibits including a stamp mill and an early 2-person sawmill.

780 Main St., Weaverville, CA 96093

530-623-5211 www.trinitymuseum.org

Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park

Built in 1874, Joss House is the oldest continuously used Chinese temple in California. On display are art objects, pictures, mining tools, and weapons used in the 1854 Tong War. This Taoist temple is still a place of worship and a fascinating look into the role played by Chinese immigrants in early California history.

South West corner of Highway 299 and Oregon Street, Weaverville, CA 96093

530-623-5284

Wineries

Alpen Cellars

Award-winning winery and vineyards located in a scenic mountain valley. Tours, tastings & retail sales. Picnic Facilities. Open daily by appointment for tours & tastings.

2000 East Fork Rd., Trinity Center, CA 96091

530-266-9513 www.alpencellars.com

ARTS & CULTURE

Highland Art Center

Gallery, gift shop and artist studios located on Main Street in Weaverville’s historic district, in a beautiful 1893 Victorian home in a park like setting, with inspired gardens. Open year round and featuring a new show each month in the main gallery. Call for current gallery hours.

691 Main St., Weaverville, CA 96093

530-623-5111 www.highlandartcenter.org e-mail: info@highlandartcenter.org

Motel Trinity www.strawhouseresorts.com

Heated pool, kitchen units available, in room coffee, refrigerators and microwaves. Free Ice. In room Jacuzzis available. BBQ pits in the picnic area, coin laundry facility.