Trinity River Management Unit Recreation report

Forest Closures

Visitors should practice self-sufficiency during your visit to the area. Responsible recreation practices should be maintained at all times, including:

• Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use.
• All services may not be available, so please plan accordingly.

Vandalism and personal/construction trash dumping at Campgrounds and Day Use Areas continue to be a problem along the Trinity River Scenic Byway. 

Developed Campgrounds: (call ahead to check on status)

  • Big Flat Campground
  • Burnt Ranch Campground
  • Denny Campground
  • Hayden Flat Campground
  • Hobo Gulch Campground
  • Pigeon Point Campground
  • Ripstein Campground

Group Campgrounds

  • East Weaver Group Campground – May 1-September 30 – Operated by Shasta Recreation Company. Can be reserved through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) at 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov).
  • Hayden Flat Group Campground - Available Year-Round.
  • Pigeon Point Group Campground – Available Year-Round.
  • Skunk Point Group Campground – Available Year-Round - Can be reserved through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) at 1-877-444-6777 or online on Recreation.gov.

Day Use Areas

There is no trash pick-up due to excessive household dumping. Please pack out your trash.

  • Cedar Flat - Restroom Open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend
  • Big Bar- No restroom
  • East Weaver - Restroom Open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend
  • Whites Bar- Restroom Open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend

**While campgrounds and day-use areas listed above remain accessible and/or open for the winter season, there is limited trash pick-up and the facilities are not cleaned/maintained or are locked. Camps and campgrounds could be inaccessible due to snow or other hazardous conditions during the winter months, but this is particularly true for those at higher elevations.

Trails

Hiking trails on the TRMU remain open year-round unless there are forest closures in effect. Some trails may not be accessible if roads are blocked by snow or other hazards. Trails may be covered in snow or ice during the winter months, be muddy, and potentially be impassible due to debris or downed trees, or affected by wildfires and/or smoke in the summer and fall. Plan accordingly: Take traction devices (e.g., microspikes, hiking poles, etc.) for hiking in the snow and ice, be prepared for water crossings, and take a map (and/or a GPS navigation device) for wayfinding at places where the trails are overgrown or otherwise difficult to locate. Remember to take plenty of water, food, light, extra batteries, and make sure to layer your clothing to meet different weather conditions while on the trails.  Contact the Weaverville Ranger Station at (530) 623-2121 if you wish to volunteer.

 

Weaver Basin Trail System

The Weaver Basin Trail System (WBTS) has several trailheads in the Weaverville area that access approximately 40 miles of multi-use trails on Forest Service, BLM and private land within the Weaverville Community Forest.  This trail system provides users with a sense of wilderness adventure with close proximity to a hot shower, a good meal and comfortable accommodations at the end of the day.  During times of storms and after, the water will surge and become swift, potentially making unsafe and impassible conditions on several of the trails. Be sure to use caution and judgment before crossing and turn around if you aren’t comfortable.  A WBTS trail application is available at Weaver Basin Trail System Map Web Application.

 

Trinity Alps Wilderness

Access may be inhibited by impassable roads and trails due to snow and rocks or wildfire.  Many of the trails have logs crossing the trails. 

Getting Permits: To stay overnight in the Trinity Alps, you will need both a wilderness permit and a campfire permit. These are available at outdoor “kiosks” located at the Weaverville Ranger Station (360 Main St) and Fire Stations (Mule Creek & Coffee Creek off Hwy 3 AND Junction City & Big Bar off Hwy 299). Campfire permits are also available online at www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/

Trail Conditions: Call 530-623-2121 and listen to recorded message on “phone tree” for conditions. Also, check Facebook Groups (Trinity Alps Wilderness 30th Anniversary Celebration OR Trinity Alps Wilderness - Pictures & Information) for “unofficial” hiker-posted conditions and photos. These are as current as is possible.

Maps Trinity Alps Wilderness Map https://store.usgs.gov/product/116404

 

Campfire Permits

Unless you are in a developed recreation area (campground or picnic area) you must obtain a free California Campfire Permit if you plan to build a campfire or use a stove.  Please remember that campfire permits are required year-round for fires or to run camping or backpacking stoves anywhere on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Permits expire on December 31st of the year they were issued. You can get a free campfire permit by visiting any Forest Service ranger station in California, or by visiting http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/.  Remember to check for any current campfire restrictions before you visit any national forest.

Roads

At any given time during the year, forest roads on the TRMU may be impacted by wildfire, rockfall, fallen trees or branches or other debris. Always be alert, aware and prepared for potentially hazardous driving conditions. During times of inclement weather, these hazards are more pronounced and you may also encounter snow, ruts, mudslides, and ice. Carry safety (shovel, chains, etc.) and emergency equipment (blankets, water, extra food) in your car at all time and know an alternate route to and from your destination. Use caution and turn around if the driving conditions become uncomfortable to you. There are many places on the TRMU with no cell phone service, so keep that in mind as you plan your route and adventure. Be sure to consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map for the Weaverville Ranger Districts to familiarize yourself with road information.

Information

For more information on recreation facilities, roads or trails on the TRMU, please call the Weaverville Ranger Station at (530) 623-2121.