Trinity Lake - North Lake Area

Copyright: USDA Forest Service Marina at Trinity Center, North Lake Area

Originally named after the late Senator Clair Engle, a Trinity Dam proponent, Trinity Lake received its current name when managed changed to the U.S. Forest Service in 1997. The gold rush towns of Trinity Center, Lewiston, Covington Mill, Carrville and Coffee Creek surround the region adding mystic to the magnificent mountain terrain.

As part of the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, Trinity Lake is broken into four segments: Lewiston Lake, renowned as a rainbow, brown and brook trout fishery; Trinity Dam, a famed wildlife watching spot; Stuart Fork, an arm of water viewed from the 104-mile Trinity Heritage National Scenic Byway; and North Lake, where destinations such as Jackass Springs and Preacher Meadow intrigue tourists.

Attractions - Trinity Lake, a multi-armed area, attracts campers, picnickers, boaters, anglers, and sightseers to its striking landscape. Recreation opportunities at both private and public facilities are abundant. From modern marinas and campgrounds to watchable wildlife areas and scenic byways, visitors are invited to discover the Trinity Lake Unit of the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area.

One of the most popular attractions is the fact that it provides excellent year-round fishing, whether from a boat or from shore. Lewiston Lake, south of Trinity Dam is known for its quality of trout. Trinity Lake is the third largest lake in California with 16,000 surface acres and 147 miles of shoreline and a tip of water up along the Trinity River known as "fly stretch," a world-class fishery. Less crowded than other areas of the National Recreation Area, Trinity's irregular shoreline and secluded coves that are sprinkled with spring wildflowers make it one of the state's most popular houseboating lakes. The crystal clear waters are perfect for anglers and water skiers who enjoy the glassy surface. Wildlife is abundant! In addition to a wide variety of quality fish species in the enormous lake, the conifer-rich land region is known for supporting black bear, mountain lion, river otter, beaver, and grey fox. Along with the three designated watchable wildlife areas, be sure to keep a watchful eye when skirting the shoreline. Trinity Lake harbors California's only native turtle, the Western Pond Turtle. Notable characteristics include the blunt nose and black spots or blotches on the light-colored head. The outdoor experience waits for horseback riders, hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, campers, and anglers. Services and facilities are numerous including boat rentals, handicapped accessible fishing dock, and an equestrian campground.

Recreation - The Trinity Lake - North Lake Area offers two campgrounds, one boat ramp, one privately owned marina, one watchable wildlife area, and one scenic byway.

Climate - Summer is hot and dry in northern California with temperatures ranging from 85 - 100+ degrees F. Lows range from 60 - 70 degrees F. Autumn days are usually mild and warm, with cool nights. Winter is when most of the precipitation falls, averaging over 55 inches per year. Highs during this season range from 40 - 60 degrees F and lows from 30 - 40 degrees F. Spring weather is variable with many pleasant days and high temperatures reaching 60 - 80 degrees F and lows in the 40s.

Location - Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area sites lie in northern California surrounding the community of Redding. Located in Trinity County, Lewiston and Trinity lakes can be accessed via State Highway 299 W and Highway 3 northwest of Redding off Interstate 5.