Klamath National Forest

Recreational Activities - Trinity Alps Wilderness Area

"Where conflicting interests must be reconciled, the question shall always be answered from the standpoint of the greatest good for the greatest number in the long run."  -- Gifford Pinchot, Chief Forester, 1905

Description

The second largest Wilderness in California, the Trinity Alps Wilderness was originally recognized in 1926 by the Secretary of Agriculture for its unique recreation and scenic values.  In 1932 the Forest Service established it as a Primitive Area and in 1984 it was added to the National Wilderness Preservation System.  Since that time, the Trinity Alps Wilderness has grown to over 525,000 acres.  Management of the Wilderness is shared by the Klamath National Forest, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Six Rivers National Forest and the Bureaus of Land Management.  

The Trinity Alps Wilderness includes rough ridges with peaks ranging from 7,000 to 9,000 feet in elevation, deep glacial canyons and spectacular mountain meadows.  The area is drained on the north by the Wild and Scenic Salmon River and on the south by the Wild and Scenic Trinity River. The variation in elevation, soil types and geology make this region one of the most diverse with respect to native plants and animals.  Many types of hardwoods, pines and firs make up this vast forest with wildflowers found all summer long at various elevations. 

Wildlife is an integral part of these wilderness ecosystems with a large variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.  Common wildlife sightings include black bear (ranging from black to light cinnamon brown in color), deer, coyote, striped skunk, golden mantled ground squirrel, mountain quail, migrant songbirds and rattlesnakes.  Other wildlife living here, but more difficult to spot, are marten, river otter, grey fox, northern spotted owl, Pileated woodpecker, bobcat, Ringtail cat and mountain lion.  Bears require extra respect and precautions regarding the transportation and storage of food, cosmetics and garbage.  Bear resistant canisters are preferable to hanging food in trees.  Be Bear Aware.

Access to the Trinity Alps Wilderness is provided by a network of over 500 miles of trails.  As much as 12 feet of snow falls on the high country every year and the trails at higher elevations are often not clear of snow until late June.  Trails originating on the south and east side are most popular and heavily used.  Entering the Wilderness from west or north is more demanding and offers more opportunities for solitude.  Popular hikes originating from the Klamath National Forest are listed below. 

In keeping with the character of wilderness, trail signing in the Trinity Alps is kept to a minimum.  Many trails in the Wilderness are not easy to follow and a map, compass and the skill to use them is a must.  Severe weather is always a possibility and can create trail hazards.  Always be prepared for the possibility of downed logs or debris on trails and difficult stream crossings.  Trail conditions are posted on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website.

The Trinity Alps Wilderness is part of the 107 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. This System of lands provides clean air, water, and habitat critical for rare and endangered plants and animals. Our visitors play an important role in helping to "secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by the Congress of the United States through the Wilderness Act of 1964.  Please follow the wilderness regulations and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting the Trinity Alps Wilderness to ensure protection of this unique area.

General Wilderness Prohibitions

Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport is generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles, motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. One exception to this definition, by law, is wheel chairs. If they are suitable for indoor pedestrian use, they are allowed in wilderness.

These general prohibitions have been implemented for all national forest wildernesses in order to implement the provisions of the Wilderness Act of 1964. The Wilderness Act requires management of human-caused impacts and protection of the area's wilderness character to insure that it is "unimpaired for the future use and enjoyment as wilderness." Use of the equipment listed as prohibited in wilderness is inconsistent with the provision in the Wilderness Act which mandates opportunities for solitude or primitive recreation and that wilderness is a place that is in contrast with areas where people and their works are dominant.

Trinity Alps Wilderness-Specific Regulations

Wilderness managers often need to take action to limit the impacts caused by visitor activities in order to protect the natural conditions of 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.

The following wilderness regulations are in effect for this area.

MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 10 MEMBERS
Group size limits aim to preserve the legally mandated opportunities for finding solitude in Trinity Alps Wilderness.

PERMITS REQUIRED
A wilderness permit is required for entry into the Trinity Alps Wilderness.  There is no charge for permits and they are available at local Forest Service Offices.   State of California campfire permits are required during fire season regardless of whether inside or outside wilderness. Campfire permits are available from any Forest Service Office or California Department of Forestry station.

CACHING OF EQUIPMENT PROHIBITED
No caching of food, supplies, or equipment.

Klamath National Forest Trailheads for Access to the Trinity Alps Wilderness

Carter Meadows Summit Trailhead
Hidden Lake
South Fork Lakes
Pacific Crest Trail

Cecil Lake Trailhead
Cecil Lake
Five Dollar Camp

China Gulch Trailhead
China Spring Trail to Grizzly Lake Trail
Grizzly Meadows

Fox Creek Trailhead
Fox Creek Ridge

Garden Gulch Trailhead
Onion Meadow Trail

Middle Boulder Trailhead
West Boulder Creek Trail Lakes

East Boulder Trailhead
East Boulder Lake

Little Mill Trailhead
Little Mill Creek

Fish Lake Trailhead
Fish Lake
Twin Lakes

Long Gulch Trailhead
Long Gulch Lake

Poison Creek Trailhead
Poison Lake

South Fork Trailhead
Rush Creek Trail
South Fork Trail

Trail Gulch Trailhead
Trail Gulch Lake