Trinity Alps Wilderness

Wilderness lake with rocky sparsely forested hills all around it

-Photo of Grizzly Lake copyrighted, used by permission of Deems Burton-

The Trinity Alps Wilderness on the Klamath National is located about 6 miles South of Callahan, California. Management of the Wilderness is shared by the Klamath National Forest, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, and Six Rivers National Forest. Information about this wilderness can be found at wilderness.net, a website jointly managed by the University of Montana and the four federal agencies that manage designated wilderness areas.

Trinity Alps Wilderness-Regulations and Permits

Wilderness managers often need to take action to limit the impacts caused by visitor activities in order to protect the natural conditions of the wilderness as required by the Wilderness Act of 1964. Managers typically implement 'indirect' types of actions such as information and education measures before selecting more restrictive measures. When regulations are necessary, they are implemented with the specific intent of balancing the need to preserve the character of the wilderness while providing for the use and enjoyment of wilderness area. The wilderness.net website lists the current regulations for this wilderness.

No more than 10 individuals are permitted to camp or hike together in each group in the Trinity Alps Wilderness.

Wilderness Permits and California State Campfire Permits are required for trips into this wilderness. Self-issued Wilderness Permits are available 24 hours a day at the Salmon River/Scott River Ranger District office, Weaverville Ranger District office, Coffee Creek Guard Station, and Callahan Guard Station. California State Campfire Permits are available at any Forest Service or Cal-Fire office in California, as well as online.

Trinity Alps Wilderness Safety

Wilderness, by its very nature, has inherent risks. Help may be hours or even days away. You may not be able to rely on a cell phone for communication. Remember, wilderness safety is YOUR responsibility.

A few tips to remember when planning your wilderness trip, as well as some things to keep in mind while on your hike:

Always leave an itinerary of your hike with family or friends, and stick to it.
Before your trip, learn about the hazards you may encounter and take adequate precautions. Select appropriate clothing and equipment. Always hike with a companion. Choose a trail that matches the skill level of your party.
Know your own limitations, and the abilities and weaknesses of your hiking companions. Plan your route and rate of travel around the weakest member. Make sure that each member of your party knows what gear the others have packed.
Track your location using map and compass or GPS. If you encounter trouble, do not be afraid to turn back. Wilderness maps are available online at the U.S. Geological Survey Store and at Klamath National Forest offices.
During bad weather like rain, snow, and fog, you may be safer if you stay put rather than attempting to travel.
Bring a good first aid kit with adequate supplies for your party size and type. Know basic first aid skills.
Know how to identify Poison Oak and stay away from it.
If you encounter a rattlesnake, avoid it by traveling at least two body lengths away from it. Never attempt to kill a rattlesnake, as this would increase your danger of being bitten.
Filter or treat all water used for drinking.

Trinity Alps Wilderness Trails on the Klamath National Forest

There are about 550 miles of trails in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Some of these trails are steep, little used paths, while others are well maintained routes. The amount of maintenance depends on the use patterns, wilderness preservation objectives, available funds, and volunteers. On some trails, don't be surprised if you are forced to make some detours around logs and other obstacles throughout the year. Trail signs in wilderness areas are intentionally kept to a minimum to enhance the wilderness experience, so a good topographical map is a must. Wilderness maps are available online at the U.S. Geological Survey Store and at Klamath National Forest offices.

Cecil Lake Trailhead

Chilkott Trail
Hull Cabin Trail
Intersecting Trails
- Salmon Summit Trail
- Spring Trail

China Gulch Trailhead

China Spring Trail
Intersecting Trails
- North Fork Trail

Garden Gulch Trailhead

Onion Meadow Trail
Intersecting Trails
- Packers Peak Trail

South Fork Trailhead

Rush Creek Trail
South Fort Trail
Intersecting Trails
- McNeal Creek Trail
- Packers Peak Trail
- Little South Fork Trail

Poison Creek Trailhead

Poison Trail
Intersecting Trails
- Packers Peak Trail
- Onion Meadow Trail

Fish Lake Trailhead

Fish Lake Creek Trail
Intersecting Trails
- Twin Lakes Trail
- South Fork Coffee Creek Trail
- Trail Gulch Trail
- Onion Meadow Trail
- Packers Peak Trail

Long Gulch Trailhead

Long Gulch Trail
Intersecting Trails
- Twin Lakes Trail
- South Fork Coffee Creek Trail
- Trail Gulch Trail
- Onion Meadow Trail
- Packers Peak Trail

Trail Gulch Trailhead