History

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.

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 and Yolo-Bolly 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, Mad 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. Ruth Lake in southwest Trinity County continues to be a secret, even though the trout, kokanee, bass, bluegill and catfishing is excellent during their respective seasons. Consistent afternoon winds make the lake popular with sailors. Campsites dot the shoreline, and overnight lodging and dining is nearby. 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 both Trinity and Ruth Lakes.

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.

Demographics:
1,250 square mile service area (Frontier);
4,334 population / 3.5 People/sq mile;
Nearest other services 52 miles away (1 ½ - 2 hours) over harsh mountainous terrain;
Designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) and Medically Underserved Area (MUA);
68% live below the Federal Poverty Level.
The only other local services are schools, Community Service District, USFS, VFD’s, post offices, and small grocery stores & restaurants.

Contact Information: