Posted by TrinityCounty on Jul 25, 2026 in Trinity Blog
Every summer, the town of Ruth shows up for itself. It’s a small, rural Trinity County community that comes together to put on the same event it always has — real people, real animals, and the skill and nerve it takes to ride. The 69th Annual Ruth Rodeo runs Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, 2026 at the Ruth Rodeo Grounds in Ruth, part of the Three Rebels Rodeo Series. A tradition nearly 70 years strong For close to seven decades, the Ruth Rodeo — traditionally put on by the Six Rivers Lions Club — has stayed exactly what it’s always been: a real event about people, animals, and the skill and bravery it takes to get on and stay on. Bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, and roping aren’t staged for a crowd so much as they’re just what happens here every summer. The town holds a few hundred people, but for one weekend it fills with ranch families, competitors, and visitors who came for the same thing — to watch real skill up close, nothing dressed up about it. Two events you won’t want to miss Ruth Bull-A-Rama, Friday, July 31 at 7 PM Kicking off the weekend under the Three Rebels Rodeo Series banner, Bull-A-Rama is Friday night’s headliner — wild bulls, tough cowboys, and one epic night of bull riding paired with food, drinks, and live music. For bull riding entry, contact Anna at (707) 496-6926. Junior Bull Riders Tour, part of Saturday’s junior rodeo New to the Ruth Rodeo this year: the Junior Bull Riders Tour, billed as “the greatest lil’ show on dirt.” Extreme young athletes ages 6 to 14 take the arena to compete on some of the world’s smallest bucking bulls. It’s a fresh addition to the weekend and a genuine glimpse at the next generation of rodeo talent. For more information, find Roughstock 101 on Facebook or call or text (209) 840-0602. Weekend schedule Friday, July 31 6:00 PM — Bar-B-Que 7:00 PM — Bull-A-Rama 9:00 PM — Live music Saturday, August 1 7:00 AM — Breakfast and junior rodeo sign-ups 10:00 AM — Junior rodeo 5:00 PM — Bar-B-Que 6:00 PM — Open rodeo 9:00 PM — Live music Sunday, August 2 7:00 AM — Farewell breakfast For Bull-A-Rama and open rodeo entry, contact Anna at (707) 496-6926. For junior rodeo sign-ups, contact Laurel at (530) 510-2384 or Ronie at (707) 574-6472. Make it a weekend in Trinity County Ruth sits just minutes from Ruth Lake, a quiet mountain lake that’s easy to overlook until you’re standing on its shore. It’s worth building extra time into your trip for swimming, boating, kayaking, or casting a line for trout and bass. Lakeside camping and picnicking make it simple to turn a single rodeo night into a full weekend outdoors, and with the Yolla Bolly–Middle Eel Wilderness and Six Rivers...
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Posted by TrinityCounty on Jul 14, 2026 in Trinity Blog
There’s a particular kind of joy that only happens on the water — skis cutting a clean line across a glassy morning, a boogie board wipeout that has the whole boat laughing, someone cannonballing off the back deck because the water is just too good to resist. That’s a Trinity County summer day, and it’s waiting for you at either of our two favorite all-sport lakes: Trinity Lake and Ruth Lake. Both offer boat rentals, lakeside lodging, and a place to eat when you’re done for the day — here’s what you need to know to plan your trip. Trinity Lake Trinity Lake is one of Northern California’s premier houseboating and water sports destinations, tucked into the Shasta-Trinity National Forest with 147 miles of tree-lined shoreline and countless quiet coves. It’s known for world-class trout and bass fishing, glassy water perfect for skiing and boarding, and wide-open space to spread out. Boat Rentals: Trinity Alps Marina, located closer to Lewiston at the Fairview boat ramp on the south side of the lake, rents a full range of watercraft — call (530) 410-2354 or visit trinityalpsmarina.com for current deals. Trinity Lake Marina at Cedar Stock also offers a full selection of watercraft — call (530) 286-2225 or visit trinitylakemarina.com. Both marinas have lodging options too. Lodging: Pinewood Cove Campground and Marina [(530) 286-2201, pinewoodcove.com] and Trinity Lake KOA [(530) 266-3337, koa.com/campgrounds/trinity-lake] both sit right on the water, and Bonanza King Resort offers private cabins along Coffee Creek for a quieter stay in the Trinity Alps. Then there’s Trinity Alps Resort — the resort where time stands still. Fifty rustic cabins line a mile of the Stuart Fork River, each with its own kitchen, bath, and sleeping veranda, for the kind of unplugged summer getaway that hasn’t changed in generations. Open May 15 through September 30, (530) 286-2205, trinityalpsresort.com. Food & Drink: Yellow Jacket Eatery in Trinity Center is a locally loved, farm-to-table spot for burgers, salads, and weekend brunch. Trailhead Pizza up in Coffee Creek serves oven-fired pizza on a twinkle-lit patio (seasonal, May–October). Coffee Creek Country Store is the go-to for sandwiches, local beer, and Alpen Cellars wine. Alpen Cellars Winery itself — Trinity County’s original winery, running off its own hydroelectric power — is open for tastings Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10 AM to 4 PM. And at Trinity Alps Resort, Bear’s Breath Bar & Grill serves dinner right on the deck above the Stuart Fork River — the char-grilled Stuart Fork Chicken is a house favorite (summer season only). Ruth Lake Smaller and more tucked-away, Ruth Lake sits in southwest Trinity County on the Mad River, about 9 miles off Highway 36 on Mad River Road. It’s a great lake for kayaks, ski boats, and fishermen alike — the surface is often glass-flat until the afternoon breeze picks up, making mornings perfect for skiing and paddling...
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Posted by TrinityCounty on Jul 9, 2026 in Trinity Blog
Some people deal with stress by meditating. Some go for a run. And some head to the Trinity County Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 11th for an evening of serious crash therapy. The Trinity County Fair’s Destruction Derby is one of the most electric events of the year, and the 2026 edition is shaping up to be the biggest yet. With a $12,000 total purse on the line and a fired-up crowd filling the arena, this is the kind of night that reminds you why summer in Trinity County is unlike anywhere else. Derby Details The action starts at 7:00 PM in the Fairgrounds Arena. Drivers compete for top honors in the Stock class, with prizes ranging from $1,500 for third place up to $5,000 for the winner. But the award everyone’s really watching? The Mad Dog Award — a $2,500 People’s Choice prize where the crowd decides who drove the most spectacularly reckless race of the night. So Many Fun Things to Choose from at the Fair The Destruction Derby kicks off Saturday night, but it’s just one highlight of the Trinity County Fair’s 2026 season, themed “105 Years of Country Cheers!” The fair runs July 9th through 12th, so come on down and see what we have going on: Destruction Derby — the one everyone’s talking about Trinity Timbersports Logging Show — chainsaw events, axe throwing, pole climbing, log rolling, and more Kids Play Day — mutton busting, stick horse races, and more Jr. Livestock Auction Culture Day Exhibits in the Exhibit Hall, including the quilters’ display Local vendors and artisan booths Live music and shows Fair food and amusements Cribbage, cornhole, watermelon eating, and more — so many contests Weekend camping at the fairgrounds This is Trinity County at its best: neighbors coming together, local talent on full display, and a whole lot going on across the grounds. Come for the Chaos, Stay for the Community The Destruction Derby isn’t just a spectacle — it’s a tradition. It’s families in the bleachers, friends hollering over the noise, and the collective catharsis of watching something completely, gloriously fall apart. Tickets are available at the gate. The fairgrounds at 6000 Highway 3, Hayfork, CA. We’ll see you in the arena. Bring your stress — and leave it on the track. For more information, call the Fair Office at (530) 628-5223 or visit trinitycountyfair.com. Special thanks to Brian Gossman for the use of his photos. All rights reserved....
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Posted by TrinityCounty on Jun 26, 2026 in Trinity Blog
Some towns change every year. Weaverville doesn’t — not where it counts. The rodeo still fills Lowden Park, and the destruction derby still revs up the crowd. The Lions Club still runs the pancake breakfast at dawn. Archie’s Anvil still fires — keeping a strange, mischievous local legend alive. The parade still winds down Main Street the way it always has, through a classic historic downtown, past the blacksmith’s shop sharing their craft, and the Joss House. Fireworks still light up the valley sky at night. This year carries extra weight: 2026 marks 250 years of American independence, and Weaverville is marking it the way it always has — by going big for four straight days. Whether you grew up here or you’re discovering it for the first time, the 4th of July in Weaverville feels like a tradition you get to step back into. Here’s the full schedule for 2026. Thursday, July 2 4:00pm–Midnight — Lions Beer Booth & Concessions Open — LP Main Lawn 4:00pm–8:00pm — Lions Transit Rides by the Golden Age Center (free; route from Park–Courthouse–Holiday Market) — LP Pool area 4:00pm–4:30pm — Lions Cannon Ball Contest (free; sign-in begins 4:15pm) — LP Pool 4:45pm — Lions Roar & History of 4th of July Button (Welcome, Flag Salute, National Anthem; Theme: 250 Years of Independence) — LP Main Lawn 5:30pm — Lions Cornhole ($5; sign-in begins 5:00pm) — LP Main Lawn 6:30pm — Lions Axe Throwing ($5; sign-in begins 6:00pm) — LP Little League Field 8:00pm–11:00pm — Lions Street Dance: Hook (free; bring a chair) — LP Lions Stage Friday, July 3 9:00am — Lions Cribbage Tournament ($5; sign-in begins 8:30am) — LP Cook Shack 9:00am — Lions Horseshoe Tournament ($10/team; sign-in begins 8:30am) — LP Horseshoe Pits 9:00am — Lions Pump Track Racing (free; sign-in begins 8:30am) — LP Pump Track 10:00am–4:00pm — Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park ($4 adults, $2 school age, free under 5) — 630 Main St. 11:00am–4:00pm — Jake Jackson Museum (donations) — 780 Main Street 11:00am — Lions Martin Kids Day (free; bring a chair) — LP Main Lawn 12:00pm–Midnight — Lions Beer Booth & Concessions Open — LP Main and So. Lawns 12:30pm–4:00pm — Lions Swimming (free) — LP Pool 3:00pm — American History in 60 Minutes (sponsored by Tr. Players; $15, under 16 $8) — TAPAC 30 Arbuckle St 4:00pm–4:30pm — Lions Cannon Ball Contest (free; sign-in begins 3:45pm) — LP Pool 5:00pm — Lions Hoop Shoot Contest (free; sign-in begins 4:45pm) — LP Hoop Area 6:30pm — Lions Rodeo, sponsored by Trinity River Lumber Company (5pm doors open, 6:30pm performance; $25 or $40 for Rodeo & D-Derby; pre-sales at Main St. Shoes, Olsons) — LP Rodeo Arena 8:30pm–12:00pm — Lions Street Dance: Liquid Amber (free; bring a chair — will break for fireworks & continue afterward) — LP Lions Stage 10:00pm — Fireworks (sponsored by...
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Posted by TrinityCounty on Jun 24, 2026 in Trinity Blog
38 Years of Chrome: The Rolls Back Into Town Every June, Historic Weaverville trades its usual quiet Main Street for rows of hot rods, classic trucks, and cars that haven’t looked this good since they rolled off the line. This year marks the 38th Annual Historic Weaverville Car Show, presented by High Country Cruisers, happening Saturday, June 27, 2026. If you know cars, you’ll find plenty to admire — roadsters, convertibles, vintage Mustangs and Corvettes, and a lineup of show-and-shine entries competing for Best in Show. If you don’t know a carburetor from a crankshaft, that’s fine too. Half the fun is just wandering downtown, drink in hand, taking in the chrome. And Weaverville makes a good backdrop for it. The show sits right in the historic district, so between rounds of judging you can duck into one of the town’s art galleries, walk through the Joss House State Historic Park, pop into the Jake Jackson History Museum, or stop by Crocket’s UpNorth for ice cream — all an easy walk from the cars themselves. Thinking about making a day — or a weekend — of it? Trinity County has lodging options for every kind of trip, from riverside cabins to historic inns. Check out VisitTrinity.com for recommendations, or reach out to the Trinity County Visitor Center at (530) 623-6101. Want to enter your own car? Registration starts at Trinity Alps Restaurant & Lounge — contact Micah at 530-682-4168 for details. For more details go to: https://www.weavervillecarshow.com/ Mark your calendar for June 27 — and come see why this little mountain town still knows how to put on a...
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Posted by TrinityCounty on Jun 11, 2026 in Trinity Blog
The Trinity River Is Open for Salmon Again — Here’s What You Need to Know For the first time in three years, Chinook salmon fishing is back on the Trinity River — and it’s shaping up to be a season worth the wait. After a three-year closure, the Trinity River reopens for spring-run Chinook salmon on July 1, 2026, with the season running through August 31, 2026. Anglers can expect a daily bag limit of one Chinook of any size and a possession limit of two. The reopening follows improved salmon returns to the river — an encouraging sign for the long-term health of the fishery and the region as a whole. Why This Season Feels Different There’s something special about a river coming back. The Trinity has long been considered one of Northern California’s premier fisheries, and after three years away, anglers are returning to a river that has had time to recover and rebuild. Whether you’ve been fishing the Trinity for decades or you’ve been waiting for the right moment to experience it for the first time, the 2026 spring-run season is a rare opportunity. Book a Local Guide The best way to make the most of your Trinity River experience is to go out with someone who knows it well. Local guides spend their seasons on this water — they know where the fish are running, how to read the river, and how to put you in the right place at the right time. We recommend reserving a trusted local experts soon, before they are booked out: Alex — The Trinity Guide: thetrinityguide.com Travis — Sweet Trinity: sweet-trinity.com Trinity Fly Shop: trinityflyshop.com — a great resource for a full list of local guides or advice if you’d prefer to plan your own trip Plan Your Trip The Trinity River corridor offers some of the most scenic river fishing in NorCal, with access to comfortable lodging, great food, and wide-open stretches of water. Pack your gear, secure your license, and get ready to experience a fishery at its best. The Trinity is open. Come fish it. Plan your trip now: visittrinity.com Thank you to Alex, The Trinity Guide & Travis, The Sweet Trinity Guide for the use of their...
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