Located in the
lower reaches of the Cascade Range in California, midway
between Redding in Shasta County and the Northern Redwood
Coast, Trinity County encompasses approximately 3,200 square miles of
alpine
grandeur. Roughly the size of Vermont,
though if flattened out,
the County would cover an area about the size of Texas.
Tucked away among fir and pine forested slopes, wildflowers
in season cloak remote dells with splashes of brilliant
color. Clear, tumbling waters from tarns and snow packs high
up under towering peaks course down through rock walled
canyons. The Trinity River Scenic Byway traverses the
County alongside State Route 299.
Opportunities for satisfying
outdoor vacations and activities are limited only by your
own imagination. Largely underdeveloped, the area offers
conveniences and creature comforts in a natural environment
without the hustle and hassle of more structured
recreational communities.
Hundreds of miles of Forest
Service roads, trails and old logging tracts open up
spectacular forested mountains to hiking, horseback,
mountain bike and motor touring.
The
whole area is a wildlife laboratory of diverse flora and
fauna with four seasonal variations for you to watch,
study, research, photograph and, in some cases, collect.
The Trinity Alps Wilderness can be accessed through many
gateways for wild-stream fishing, day hikes or extended
treks. Pack trips on horseback are available with local
licensed guides.
The Trinity
River and tributary waters are themselves sources of
thrills, adventure and enjoyment. All sorts of water
activities abound: everything from toe dabbling, fishing,
gold panning or just floating lazily in an inner tube to
racing down white water riffles and rapids in a bobbing
raft or kayak is available to visitors.
A 147 mile
shoreline encircles Trinity Lake, third largest reservoir
in California, with abundant open water for most every sort
of still water enjoyment. Secluded coves for houseboat get-aways,
long open stretches for jet and water skiing, inlets for
canoeing
and
fishing boats. Bring your own boat or look to one of the
four marinas for rentals. While it's up to you to catch them,
there is a significant population of Rainbow trout, Small
and Large mouth bass and Catfish waiting in the Lake to try
your skill and patience.
For some years
the American Bald Eagle was in decline; some thought it
would soon be lost to our heritage. It is good to say that
now there are increasing numbers of our noble bird nesting
in a restricted area along the shore of Trinity Lake.
Though hard to come by, there
are thriving deer herds in Trinity County for those willing
to put forth the effort. The steep mountainous terrain and
dense forests are challenges that require good physical
conditioning, stamina and better-than-average woodcraft
skills. But it's all worthwhile; the county enjoys a
superior hunter success ratio. California Black Bear are
also here in satisfying numbers to reward the willing
hunter.
For
those
of a less active inclination, there is a shady spot waiting for you
to read or muse or simply laze and maybe snooze, lulled by
the sounds of soft breezes, fluttering leaves and the
current kissing against rocks as the river flows past.
Whatever your interest once
you've spent some time in Trinity County, you'll want to
come again! And, we'll be glad to see you.