Trinity County, California: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

1. Explore the Trinity Alps Wilderness

The crown jewel of Trinity County, this 525,000-acre wilderness area features glacially carved peaks, azure alpine lakes, and over 600 miles of trails. Popular hikes include:

• Canyon Creek Trail – A 16-mile round trip to Canyon Creek Falls and Lakes
• Caribou Lakes Trail – An 18-mile journey to stunning alpine lakes
• Stuart Fork Trail – Access to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes
• Boulder Lakes Trail – A moderate 5-mile hike to beautiful mountain lakes

For the best experience, visit between July and September when snow has melted from the high-elevation trails.

2. Raft the Wild & Scenic Trinity River

The Trinity River offers some of California’s best whitewater rafting experiences, with options for all skill levels. The river is designated as “Wild and Scenic,” protecting its pristine condition and natural beauty.

• Pigeon Point Run – Class II-III rapids, perfect for beginners and families
• Burnt Ranch Gorge – Class IV-V rapids for experienced rafters
• Big Flat to Helena – A scenic Class II-III section with beautiful canyon views

Local outfitters like Trinity River Rafting and Bigfoot Rafting offer half-day and full-day guided trips from April through September, with peak flows typically in May and June.

3. Visit the Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park

Step back in time at California’s oldest continuously used Chinese Taoist temple, built in 1874 during the Gold Rush era. This unique cultural treasure offers a glimpse into the significant Chinese presence in Trinity County’s history.

Take a guided tour to see the temple’s 3,000-year-old altar, statues of deities, oracle fortune sticks, and other religious artifacts. The temple’s architecture and decorative elements are remarkable examples of 19th-century Chinese craftsmanship.

Adjacent to the Joss House, visit the Jake Jackson Memorial Museum to learn more about the area’s Gold Rush history, including exhibits on the 1854 Tong War between Chinese tribes.

4. Enjoy Trinity Lake

As California’s third-largest lake, Trinity Lake offers 145 miles of shoreline and exceptional water recreation opportunities in a stunning mountain setting. Unlike more crowded lakes in California, Trinity Lake remains peaceful even during peak summer months.

• Boating & Watersports – Four marinas provide boat rentals, including powerboats, pontoons, and jet skis
• Fishing – Catch smallmouth bass, trout, and King Salmon in the clear waters
• Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Explore quiet coves and inlets with rentals available at marinas
• Swimming – Numerous beaches and swimming areas around the lake

Pine Cove Marina on Lewiston Lake (connected to Trinity Lake) offers canoe, kayak, SUP, and boat rentals, plus fishing supplies.

5. Explore Historic Weaverville

Listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, Weaverville offers a nostalgic step back to the Gold Rush era. As the county’s largest town, it serves as a cultural and historical hub with well-preserved 19th-century architecture.

Stroll down Main Street to see buildings dating back to the 1850s, some still featuring their original exterior spiral staircases built to accommodate two families living on separate floors. The honey locust trees lining the streets were planted by 19th-century emigrants, adding to the historic charm.

Visit the Highland Art Center, housed in an 1890s Victorian home, to see works by local artists. The town also offers antique shops, local restaurants, and the perfect base for exploring Trinity County.

6. Go Fishing in World-Class Waters

Trinity County is a paradise for anglers, with diverse fishing opportunities in its rivers, streams, and lakes. The area is particularly renowned for its steelhead and salmon runs.

• Trinity River – Famous for steelhead, Chinook salmon, and brown trout
• Lewiston Lake – A blue-ribbon fly-fishing destination with trophy-sized trout
• Trinity Lake – Home to smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and King Salmon
• Alpine Lakes – The Trinity Alps Wilderness contains numerous lakes with native trout

Fishing seasons vary by location and species. The Trinity River’s steelhead season typically runs from December through March, while summer offers excellent lake fishing opportunities.

7. Discover Waterfalls

Trinity County’s mountainous terrain creates perfect conditions for spectacular waterfalls, many accessible via scenic hikes.

• Canyon Creek Falls – A series of beautiful cascades along the popular Canyon Creek Trail
• Little Canyon Creek Falls – The first waterfall you’ll encounter on the Canyon Creek Trail
• Grizzly Creek Falls – Accessible via a short hike from Highway 299
• Boulder Creek Falls – A 60-foot waterfall reached by a moderate hike

Spring (April-June) offers the most impressive waterfall viewing as snowmelt increases water flow. Some falls require substantial hiking to reach, while others are more accessible with shorter trails.