Outbound Collective logo

Trinity Alps, California

Top Spots in and near Trinity Alps

  • Forks of Salmon, California

    Grizzly Lake via China Gulch Trailhead

    4.4
    14.6 mi / 5112 ft gain
    Grizzly Lake is in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The lake is know for its brilliant waterfall flowing from the lake's surface straight off the side of a cliff and roughly 600 feet down to the meadow below. Grizzly lake is located in some of America's most amazing and remote alpine wilderness, incl...
    Read more
  • Forks of Salmon, California

    Hike to the Caribou Lakes, Shasta-Trinity Alps

    4.0
    16 mi / 3000 ft gain
    Hike through the most majestic and unforgettable mountain ranges, alpine terrains, glacier lakes outside of the Sierra Nevada in Northern California. Yes, it's a long drive there and a lengthy hike, but if you have any doubts about whether this is worth the effort, just go! I struggled with the s...
    Read more
  • Junction City, California

    Scramble Thompson Peak

    4.0
    22.7 mi / 6100 ft gain
    This adventure begins at the Canyon Creek Lakes in the Trinity Alps wilderness. Park at the Canyon Creek Trailhead near Junction City and hike the well-maintained and easy-to-follow trail for 8 miles. Once you reach the Canyon Creek Lakes, your off-trail adventure officially begins. I’d recommend...
    Read more
  • Junction City, California

    Backcountry Camp in the Canyon Creek Drainage

    9 mi / 2600 ft gain
    The first half of the Canyon Creek Drainage is one of the most popular destinations within the Trinity Alps, but the second half goes largely unexplored and uninhabited by sojourners. Four peaks – Thompson Peak, Wedding Cake, Mt. Hilton, and Sawtooth Peak – surround the basin and offer adventurer...
    Read more
  • Junction City, California

    Canyon Creek Lakes

    4.3
    14.35 mi / 2605 ft gain
    Numerous starting points with over 550 miles of trail and easily 50+ different featured trails depending on length and what type of activity you are are looking for. One of the more popular trails, and rightfully so, is Canyon Creek Lakes Trail. This 16 mile roundtrip hike has an overall elevatio...
    Read more
  • Trinity Center, California

    Stuart Fork Trail to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes

    5.0
    27.06 mi / 4213 ft gain
    The trail begins just past the Trinity Alps Resort, a private collection of cabins near Weaverville, CA. Hikers wanting an early start can spend the night at the Bridge Camp Campground, located next to the trailhead. The path starts out wide and level, following an old road to the wilderness bou...
    Read more
  • Trinity Center, California

    Stuart Fork to Alpine Lake

    16 mi / 4265 ft gain
    Nestled in the heights of the Trinity Alps, this hike to Alpine Lake is not for the faint of heart. Before embarking on this adventure call the Weaverville Ranger station to check snow levels as well as the flow of the Stuart Fork River. If you are too early in the summer season the snowpack wi...
    Read more
  • Trinity Center, California

    Backpack Stuart Fork to Emerald and Sapphire Lake

    25 mi / 4448 ft gain
    The Stuart Fork to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes trail features many beautiful lakes, meadows, and an area that resembles a jungle. Dogs are able to use this trail. This trail can be done as a day hike, an overnight, or a three-day backpacking trip. If you choose to make it a three day, the meadows ...
    Read more
  • Trinity Center, California

    Backpack to Bear Basin and The Four Lakes Loop

    30.1 mi
    Day 1 Swift Creek Trail Head to Bear BasinThe trip begins at the Swift Creek trailhead in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Permits are very easy to get, just stop by the Ranger station in Weaverville, CA. They are free and can be self-issued in front of the ranger station, or you can go in if you wou...
    Read more
  • Trinity Center, California

    Backpack Stony Ridge in the Trinity Alps

    16.5 mi / 4500 ft gain
    The Trinity Alps has miles and miles of beautiful trails, but one of the more stunning sections is the Four Lakes Loop. There are two main trail heads that access the trail. Long Canyon Trail and Stony Ridge Trail both are both beautiful but Stony Ridge is the more popular route yet strenuous. To...
    Read more
  • Trinity Center, California

    Camp at Hayward Flat on Trinity Lake

    We drove all around Trinity Lake and this was the best campground we found! Located right on Trinity Lake you will find Hayward Flat Campground.  From Weaverville California you will follow highway 3 north about 20 miles. Then take a right on Hayward Flat road two miles. Boom, you are there.  The...
    Read more
  • Junction City, California

    Fly Fish the Trinity River

    The Trinity River is one that is rarely visited by your typical Bay Area resident. In fact, much of true Northern California is "untouched" in the eyes of those who live in The City, which is what drew me to this place to begin with. After a five hour journey from San Francisco, we made it to our...
    Read more
  • Junction City, California

    Camp at Junction City Campground

    3.0
    Junction City Campground is home to 22 tent/trailer campsites, paved loop road, vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. MAX trailer length is 40 feet. The campground is located 1.5 miles west of Junction City on State Highway 299.Dogs are welcome in the campground -- please k...
    Read more
  • Trinity Center, California

    Stoddard Lake

    5.0
    7.01 mi / 1325 ft gain
    The trail is a bit rocky, so wear sturdy hiking boots or trail runners. While your elevation gain is only 800 total, you will travel upwards of 1,982ft in elevation given the ups and downs of the trail. At mile 1.75, there is a spring that feeds into a large meadow. At mile 3, there is another sp...
    Read more
  • Douglas City, California

    Camp at Steel Bridge Campground

    Steel Bridge is located along the Trinity River.  About three miles east of Douglas City on State Highway 299, turn north onto Steel Bridge Road and go about 2 miles to the campground.This campground is open from Mid-May until winter weather forces closure.  The campground is home to 12 camping s...
    Read more
  • Douglas City, California

    Camp at Douglas City Campground

    The campground amenities include 20 tent/trailer campsites, group picnic area, picnic tables, telephone, beach, paved loop road, flush and vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. MAX trailer length is 28 feet.Douglas City is located along the Trinity River. Follow State Highway 299 to Dougl...
    Read more

Camping and Lodging in Trinity Alps

Stoney Group Shasta Trinity
Trinity Center, California

Stoney Group Shasta Trinity

Mary Smith Campground
Trinity Center, California

Mary Smith Campground

Fawn
Trinity Center, California

Fawn

Tannery
Trinity Center, California

Tannery

Minersville Campground
Granite Peak Road

Minersville Campground

Bushytail
Granite Peak Road

Bushytail

Guides, Insights and Stories from Trinity Alps

An Epic 3 Days of Backpacking in the Trinity Alps

An Epic 3 Days of Backpacking in the Trinity Alps

Benjamin Canevari