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chapter 2

Trips in Trinity Alps Wilderness

The Trinity Alps region of the Klamath Mountains boasts some of the most diverse topography in California, ranging from coastal forests below 2,000 feet to glacier-clad, 9,002-foot Thompson Peak. One of the largest roadless tracts in the state, the area includes the headwaters of two of Northern California’s most prominent rivers, the Salmon and Trinity. Far away from any major population centers, the 515,000-acre Trinity Alps Wilderness also offers recreational enthusiasts the opportunity for plenty of solitude. While some of the lower-elevation trails make for excellent fall and spring hiking, most of the wilderness is best visited during the summer months.

With more than 500 miles of trails, the Trinity Alps Wilderness is a hiker’s and backpacker’s bonanza. Trips in this chapter run the gamut from forested walks to alpine heights and everything in between. With 34 described trips, the Trinity Alps makes up the bulk of this guide, including a fine sampling of both day hikes and multiday backpacks.

Backpackers are required to obtain a wilderness permit for any overnight stays within the Trinity Alps Wilderness, available by self-registration at ranger stations. In addition to hiking and backpacking, the vast area of federal land around the Trinity Alps Wilderness offers numerous activities. The Trinity River is a notable fishery for anglers in search of salmon and steelhead. River runners also covet the river, which offers up to Class IV and V rapids in Burnt Ranch Gorge. Plenty of developed national recreation area and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) campgrounds around the Alps’ perimeter provide excellent camping opportunities, while several resorts and inns offer more-luxurious overnight accommodations.

Trips from CA 3: Weaverville to Callahan

CA 3 connects the full-service community of Weaverville to the tiny burg of Callahan, traveling 63 miles along the west side of the Alps. Outside of Weaverville the two-lane road reaches the east arm of Trinity Lake and then continues northbound just to the west of the lake for several miles, passing turnoffs to USFS campgrounds, boat ramps, and trailheads along the way, as well as private neighborhoods and a few resorts. Beyond Trinity Lake, the highway snakes along the banks of the Trinity River to the small community of Coffee Creek and a junction with Coffee Creek Road (County Road 104), which leads to resorts, several trailheads, and a pair of campgrounds. Beyond Coffee Creek, CA 3 provides access to additional campgrounds and a handful of trailheads. At the junction with Forest Service Road 17, CA 3 veers west away from the Trinity River and makes a winding climb to a high point at Scott Mountain Summit (±5,408'), crossing the Pacific Crest Trail at the northeast edge of the Trinity Alps Wilderness. From there, the road makes a less serpentine but steep descent to a crossing of South Fork Scott River near Callahan at the edge of Scott Valley. Near the far edge of town is a junction with westbound Cecilville Road (FS 93), which provides access to trails described in Trips 29–35.

HIGHLIGHTS Weaverville Historic District, Joss House State Historic Park, Trinity County Museum, Weaverville Farmers’ Market (Wednesdays), Trinity Lake, Trinity River