Trinity Recreation

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Popular with fisherman and pleasure boaters alike, the 43 miles of the Wild and Scenic Trinity River from Lewiston to Pigeon Point is a class I and II segment that flows out of the Trinity and Lewiston Lakes. This clear, cold section of the river is world famous for its fly fishing. Paddlers enjoy the narrow valley with Ponderosa Pine, Douglas fir, Oaks, and Madrone trees coating the walls of the canyons. If you would like more adrenaline rush, the waters below Pigeon Point rage at class III-V. Those interested in a more relaxing experience can enjoy the abundant camping options in the area or head for the trail with your friends, horses, or dog. If you would like to stay at the river's edge, you can always swim, fish or do a little gold panning. The river can be accessed from many locations along this stretch of the Trinity River.

Trinity River Boating Information

Lewiston to Pigeon Point
This flyer gives some basic information to those wishing to float or paddle their way down the challenging Wild and Scenic Trinity River from Lewiston to Pigeon Point.
Pigeon Point to Burnt Ranch
Boating information for the lower section of the Trinity River (Pigeon Point to Burnt Ranch) at this Forest Service page.

Guided Trips

Several commercial guides operate on the Trinity River under BLM and Forest Service Special Recreation Permits offering guided driftboat fishing and whitewater rafting trips. Our permitted fishing guides list is available online. The Whitewater rafting outfitters list is available by stopping by or calling the Big Bar Ranger Station at 530-623-6106.

Fishing - boat and bank

Whether you are bank fishing or float in a drift boat, world famous fly fishing is what you will get on the Wild and Scenic Trinity River between Lewiston and Pigeon point. Clear, cold, class I and II water flow through this section popular with fishermen and pleasure boaters alike. Several commercial guides operate on the Trinity River under BLM and Forest Service Special Recreation Permits offering guided driftboat fishing trips. Our permitted fishing guides list is available online.

Camping

Nearly all accessible public land is open to camping for up to 14 days per year. Day Use areas are closed to camping. Three developed campgrounds area available in the Trinity area - Dougals City, Junction City, and Steel Bridge. See the Camping page for more information and a map of the area.

There are also primitive campsites available at Steiner Flat Road, past Douglas City campground. There is no fee at this site and it is available year-round.

Trails

There is an extensive trail system in and around the Douglas City campground. See the map of the Douglas City campground for more information. Union Hill Pond also has trail available to the exporing type as do the Browns Creek and Rush Creek areas. The Trinity Alps Wilderness Area is near by and ajoining BLM land for a backcountry experience. Weaverville Basin Trails information can be found at the Trinity County Resource Conservation District website.

Gold Panning

No permit is required for day-use, low-impact gold panning.

Swimming

Visitors to the Trinity River often swim in the cool pools in the heat of the summer.

Volunteer

Each year, at the end of September, the Bureau of Land Management teams up with the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and local volunteers to clean up the Trinity River and surrounding areas. Check the NPLD page for more information.