Posted by TrinityCounty on Oct 9, 2026 in Trinity Blog
Did you know the Blacksmith Shop at the Jake Jackson Museum is more than a museum exhibit? This October, it comes to life with real blacksmiths teaching classes inside the shop itself. The shop is a replica of the Pioneer Blacksmith Shop, which stood on Weaverville’s Main Street from the 1870s until 1937. Its tools come from real pioneer shops, including one in Helena and another from a ranch in Minersville, a town now under Trinity Lake. Step inside and it still feels like the 1920s. It’s a rare chance to learn a historic craft in the kind of space where it was once practiced every day. Blacksmith Classes Classes are taught under the sponsorship of the California Blacksmith Association and meet on Saturdays: October 10 & 24 November 14 & 28 December 12 & 26 Advance registration is required. Call the Jake Jackson Museum at (530) 623-5211 for information or to register. The 2026 Hammer-In: October 29–31 Curious about the art of blacksmithing? Come down to the Hammer-In and see what folks are doing. Every year, blacksmiths of every skill level come to town to swap techniques, share stories, and work side by side at the anvil. Visitors are welcome to stop by, watch the demos, and see history take shape one strike at a time. This year the Hammer-In lands on Halloween weekend, so plan on some extra fun. On Saturday, October 31, Weaverville’s streets fill with trick-or-treaters, and Main Street becomes one of the liveliest places in the county. Bring the kids, bring a costume, and make a day of it. And, in case you missed it, check out our previous blog about Brooms, Bikes, and Bewitching Fun in Weaverville. Explore Historic Weaverville While you’re in town, take time to wander. Weaverville’s historic downtown is one of the best-preserved Gold Rush towns in California, with brick storefronts and the iconic spiral staircases along Main Street. To guide your visit, grab a Weaverville Historic Walking Tour, which leads you past historic sites like the 1860 Trinity County Courthouse. Download it before you go at TrinityMuseum.org/Weaverville-Walking-Tour. Make time to explore the Jake Jackson Museum and History Park, where exhibits on mining, Native American heritage and pioneer life bring the county’s story to life. Fall hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. And don’t miss the Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park, the oldest Chinese temple still in use in California. It’s a beautiful, quiet reminder of the Chinese miners and families who helped build this town. Guided temple tours run Thursday through Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Weaverville Joss House on Parks.CA.gov Craftsmanship doesn’t stop at the forge. Weaverville’s art galleries showcase the work of local artists and artisans, from paintings and photography to handmade goods you won’t find anywhere else. Pop in, meet the makers, and take home a piece...
Read More »
Posted by TrinityCounty on Oct 5, 2026 in Trinity Blog
As we turn off the tarmac and onto the gravel, it hits me: I don’t have to share. What felt required on the pavement is now optional, and I can feel my shoulders relax. Please don’t take it the wrong way. I love to share. I love riding to a scenic overlook with friends for coffee outside, or taking a buddy to a remote fishing hole to get a few casts in with the fly rod. Out here, though, I get to ride without keeping one ear tuned to the logging trucks, RVs and boat trailers of the world. I can just settle in and enjoy the quiet that comes with a road this remote. “SHARE THE ROAD,” the sign read. We passed it not 100 yards before turning onto the gravel. On the highway, sharing the road means staying focused and keeping part of your attention on what’s coming up behind you. On gravel, you get to let that go. Whether it’s behind a gate or simply not the fastest way from point A to point B, the gravel road belongs to the riders, and the few cars we do see take it slow. That’s when the fun really starts. Gravel roads wind into corners of Trinity County most people never get to see: ridgelines that open up to layer after layer of mountains, oak groves turning gold in the fall, quiet creeks and old forest roads that lead somewhere you never planned to go. Even in winter, when the singletrack is rained out, gravel holds up, so you can keep exploring without tearing up the trails. For me, that’s the best part of gravel riding: you never quite know what’s waiting around the next bend. On this ride, we head out on the gravel together, with plenty of room to ride side by side. There’s an easy excitement in our conversation as we wonder where the road will take us next. Come find out for yourself. — Alan Seegmiller Alan Seegmiller is a local mountain bike coach and biking enthusiast. Plan Your Ride For tips on where to ride in Trinity County, visit Trinity Trail Alliance. Their site has trail maps, and local riders there can give you the most current advice. You can also contact the Shasta-Trinity National Forest for maps of Forest Service roads. Refuel After Your Ride After your ride, check out some of the local restaurants: Trinity County Brewing Co. (Weaverville): The lot is often full of cars with bike racks. Run into other riders coming off the trails and share a beer. Pappa Dogs Taphouse (Weaverville): Freshly made sandwiches, a large beer selection and a pleasant outdoor patio. Yellow Jacket Eatery (Trinity Center): A good stop if you’re in the North County. Call ahead to check their hours. J&J’s Smokin’ BBQ (Lewiston): Excellent barbecue. Northern Delights (Hayfork): The best local hangout in...
Read More »
Posted by TrinityCounty on Sep 24, 2026 in Trinity Blog
Some lakes you visit for the view. Lewiston Lake, you visit to explore. A couple of friends and I loaded up a kayak and a pair of paddle boards 🏄 and spent the day winding through Lewiston’s shallow coves and grassy channels, weaving between small islands we’d never noticed from the shore. That’s the thing about paddling here — so much of the lake only reveals itself once you’re actually on the water. And the wildlife did not disappoint. We spotted a black bear working over a patch of blackberries along the bank 🐻, watched deer grazing right along the shoreline 🦌, and paddled past bird life at every turn — herons hunting the shallows, ducks gliding along the channels, and songbirds tucked into the grasses and trees 🐦. Trinity County’s reputation for wildlife is well earned, and a slow paddle through Lewiston’s coves puts you right in the middle of it. After you’re off the water, take a little time to wander historic Lewiston itself. This small gold rush-era village has held onto its old-town charm, with a colorful history and a handful of historic buildings that make it worth a slow stroll before you head home. Grab a paddle, find a channel, and see what you run into. 🌊 Plan your visit Breakfast: Fuel up beforehand at Misha’s Morsels Rentals: Pine Cove Marina rents kayaks, paddle boards, and boats right on the lake Camping: Pitch a tent at one of the campgrounds along the shoreline, or try glamping at Mary Smith Campground Lodging: Settle into a cabin or RV site at Lakeview Terrace Resort, get a motel room or RV spot at The Lewiston Valley Motel, or try renting an Airstream and petting a llama at One Thing Ranch. BBQ: Refuel afterward at J&J’s Smokehouse #VisitTrinity #paddling #birding #norcal #TrinityCountyCa...
Read More »
Posted by TrinityCounty on Sep 22, 2026 in Trinity Blog
Witches Brigade in Weaverville, October 17, 2026 There’s a particular kind of magic that settles over Main Street every fall when the Weaverville Witch Brigade comes to town. Nestled in the mountains at the foot of the Trinity Alps, Weaverville is one of Northern California’s best-kept secrets — a charming historic village that feels like something out of a storybook once autumn hits. And this year marks the 8th time our streets have filled with broomsticks, tutus, and a whole lot of good-natured mischief — this year’s brigade descends on Saturday, October 17, 2026. This is a wild, creative kind of day, and the whole town leans into it. Main Street fills with witches in costumes of every kind — capes, tutus, crooked hats, plenty of glitter, and not a shred of self-consciousness — strolling between shops, snacking, and sipping their way down the historic street. There’s laughing, dancing, and cackling together as neighbors and visitors mix right into the mischief side by side. It’s one of those rare days that lets you truly let loose and feel connected to the people around you, all in a warm, family-friendly way that welcomes witches of every age. Here’s how the day unfolds 1:30pm – Witches Dance The coven gathers at the Trinity County Library (351 Main Street, Weaverville) for our beloved Witches Dance, set to “Wolfshäger Hexenbrut.” Know the moves? Jump right in. New to it? There are videos on YouTube if you want to practice beforehand, but honestly, half the fun is figuring it out together. Witches of all experience levels are welcome. 2pm – Release the Witches! At 2pm, it’s time to Release the Witches — our annual bike ride and walk through town, departing from the library. Brooms are optional, bikes are encouraged, and comfortable shoes work just fine either way. Watch (or join in) as the coven makes its way through Weaverville’s streets. And once the witches have made their way through town, that’s when the real fun begins — because the whole point is to parade out and pub-crawl, shop, and eat your way back. All day long, participating businesses will be offering their own bewitching discounts, holiday treats, and specialty cocktails, so take your time wandering from storefront to storefront, ducking into shops, cafes, and tasting rooms along the way. 10am to 4pm—Witchy Wonders (and Vendors) on Main Street From 10am to 4pm, Main Street is also lined with vendors and curious treasures. Give yourself time to browse, because you never know what might end up coming home with you. And throughout the day, keep an ear out for live music popping up in different spots around town. We’ll be sharing more details on that as the event gets closer. So dust off your hat, find your broom, and come spend the day making a little trouble with the rest of us — parading,...
Read More »
Posted by TrinityCounty on Sep 6, 2026 in Trinity Blog
There’s something about a Trinity County fall morning — the chill in the air, mist rising off the river, that first sip of coffee steaming in your hands — that makes it the season for taking the long way. This September, turn the Fall Countywide Yard Sale into your next backroads adventure: a weekend of winding routes, driveway treasure hunts, and the kind of small-town discoveries you can only find off the main highway. Mark your calendars for September 11th–13th, when driveways across Weaverville, Hayfork, Junction City, Lewiston, and beyond transform into one giant, countywide treasure hunt. What Will You Find? Every backroad has its own personality, and every stop along the way is a new surprise. Here’s a taste of what to look for as you make your way through the county: Cozy home & cabin treasures Harvest & kitchen tools Shop & sporting equipment Score that unique vintage find Grab Your Official Map! (Sponsored by the Trinity Journal) Ready to plan your route? The Trinity Journal has you covered with the official yard sale maps and listings, published in the September 9th edition — everything you need to chart your own backroads adventure. Pick up a copy at many local vendors throughout the county, newspaper boxes in Weaverville, or at the Journal office: 500 Main St., Weaverville, CA 96093. More Than a Shopping Trip Half the fun of Yard Sale Weekend is the journey itself — swapping stories with neighbors, hearing the history behind a hand-me-down treasure, and running into fellow bargain hunters who’ve made the drive from all over Northern California to join in. It’s a weekend that turns the whole county into one long backroad worth exploring, front porch by front porch. Refuel Along the Way A weekend of backroad-hopping calls for good food, and you won’t have to go far to find it — stopping in along the way is part of the adventure. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find in each area: Hayfork: Grab a locally sourced beef burger at the gas station, or stop into Northern Delights for coffee or barbecue. North County: Yellow Jacket Eatery is serving up a locally sourced menu, or grab a wood-fired pizza from Trailhead Pizza. Down River: Strawhouse Resorts & Cafe is a perennial favorite. Farther west, the Salyer Store serves up delicious food specials, or stop by The Rockslide Bar and Grill for a meal to go with a beer in the backyard. Lewiston: Misha’s Morsels is now open, or swing by the all-time favorite J&J’s Smokin’ BBQ. Weaverville: The historic district has plenty of options, but don’t miss the Tangle Blue Saloon for a full menu — including pizza — with plenty of room for your group, Misha’s Morsels, Amei’s Hmong Kitchen, the Trinity Alps Restaurant at the golf course, or step into the past at The Nugget Restaurant, an old-timers’ favorite for...
Read More »
