Trinity Lake, located near the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area offers a vacation filled with the soft, majestic beauty of nature. Home to a variety of animal species, plant life, and countless rivers, lakes and mountains, Trinity Lake offers a magical experience for hikers, rock climbers, kayakers and nature lovers!
SHASTA-TRINITY NATIONAL FOREST
The Shasta-Trinity National Forest is the largest forest in California, consisting of 2.1 million acres of forest and over 6,000 miles of streams and rivers. The forest contains seven geographic and botanic regions, each region home to its own unique plant life, making Trinity Lake an unbelievable destination for those who wish to experience a wide variety of plant life. Wildflowers such as the Leopard Lily, Indian Pink, Western Azalea, Mountain Violet and many others color the hillsides in a spectacular rainbow of colors from January through November.
HIKING THE TRINITY WILDERNESS
Trinity Lake visitors can choose from a tremendous number of hikes in the surrounding Shasta-Trinity National Forest or the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area. Most trails are open from May through September.
Short Day Hikes surround the nearby landmarks of Boulder Lake, Lake Eleanor, Shimmy Lake, Swift Creek Falls, Ycatapom Peak, and the town of Weaverville. Most of these hikes are between 2 and 4 miles, without much change in elevation. The exception is the Weaverville Basin Trail System which includes 40 miles of trails surrounding the town. For a more strenuous day hike, try Granite Peak, a 4 mile trail with a climb of 4,000 feet. It may be a tough climb, but the extra energy is worth it, featuring breathtaking views of high alpine country studded with shining lakes and mountain vistas. Longer, overnight hikes include the Four Lakes Loop via the Long Canyon Trail. This 17 mile trail is moderately difficult, and filled with awe-inspiring views.
TRINITY LAKE CLIMBS
The wilderness around Trinity Lake offers some of the best rock climbing in the state, with hundreds of limestone climbing crags. You’ll be surrounded by astonishing views of the mountains and rivers that only get better the higher you go! For easier climbs, head to the Trinity Aretes or Castle Rock. These are great climbs for beginners or younger climbers. For more experienced climbers, try Marble Caves in Forest Glen. This area features a number of climbs in the 5.11s and 5.12s as well as a few in the 5.10s.
KAYAKING, RAFTING AND CANOEING AT TRINITY LAKE
The Trinity River is perfect for those looking for a fun-filled day of water rafting! The Trinity River includes sections of calm pools that make way for raging rapids since it ushers water from the Trinity Alps out to the Pacific Ocean.
For a relaxing day beneath the sun, the upper River includes a stretch of water perfect for canoeists and rafters. Meanwhile, along the Pigeon Point Run, rafters and kayakers can experience class 2 and 3 white water rafting. Burnt Ranch Gorge features extreme class 5 whitewater only for experienced raters.
BIKING TRINITY’S TRAILS
Trinity Lake offers an unforgettable experience for mountain bikers at both the professional and novice level. Trinity County includes a number of well-maintained trails, many of which follow gold mining ditch lines and run along the mountain sides. The trails offer gorgeous views of the Trinity Alps, Trinity Divide and Trinity Lake like the Trinity Lake Shoreline Trail which runs from Pinewood Cove to Clark Springs, right alongside the Lake. There are also a number of annual mountain bike competitions that take place throughout the year.
SHASTA-TRINITY FISHING
The most popular fish at Trinity Lake include trout and small-mouth bass. Rainbow, brown trout and small-mouth bass are also often caught in the areas as well. Trinity River is also a world-renowned trout stream. In addition to popular fishing areas at the main lake, the Shasta-Trinity National Forest has hundreds of quiet lakes and streams for those wishing to enjoy a day of peace and solitude.
BACKCOUNTRY HORSEBACK RIDING
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Northern California on horseback as you gallop or stroll through the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. A horseback riding trip that takes you straight through the alpine wilderness, this is an amazing way to experience the fresh mountain air, pine forests, streams and plentiful wildflowers of the Trinity Lake Area. There’s no better way to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Trinity backcountry than by horseback.
HUNTING AT TRINITY LAKE
Hunters who come to Trinity Lake can test their skills and stamina against a number of game species. The Trinity-Shasta National Forest is home to animals such as deer, antelope, black bear, and wild pig.
TRINITY LAKE ANNUAL EVENTS
Fly In BBQ & Shasta Classics Car Club
In September, pilots take to the air and head to Trinity Lake for the Annual Trinity Lake Lions Fly-In BBQ and Shasta Classic Car Show. A tradition that began in the 60’s, the BBQ has continued to this day, attracting pilots from all across the country along with vacationers, and car enthusiasts. Classic car owners are invited to join the show.
Jazz & Wine Fest
In July, come enjoy the Trinity Lake Wine & Jazz Fest. Guests can enjoy free jazz concerts, art vendors, a beer garden, and wine testing. Enjoy handcrafted beers and local wines as well as an art showcase by local artisans and craftsmen.
TRINITY LAKE
For fun and adventurous games, look no further than Trinity Lake! There are three separate locations in Trinity County where visitors can enjoy competitive games of Disc Golf. All about precision and accuracy, this game involves throwing a flying disc at a target, and is even more fun when played in a gorgeous, scenic location. For a group sport, Big Bar Area hosts the largest laser tag park in the country, located right along the Trinity River.
You’ll never run out of things to do while visiting the beautiful wilderness of Trinity Lake. From horseback riding through majestic backcountry, to fishing in any pond or stream you can find, to climbing tall, limestone crags, at Trinity Lake there’s a new adventure waiting for you around every corner!
