Last chance for a Summer getaway
Tips on how to truly get away from it all
Labor Day weekend (September 4–7, 2026) is the last big hurrah of summer, and Trinity County is one of the easiest weekend getaways you’ll ever plan. Even if Labor Day won’t work out for you, Trinity will have summery weather that still allows swimming and camping into the month of September. Come with family, a partner, friends, or just yourself — go big with rafting, boating, and lake days, or do nothing but read in a hammock. There’s no wrong way to do it.
Why This Place Works So Well for Getting Away
You can genuinely unplug here. Cell service varies by region — some spots have you fully off the grid, others have you covered if you need it — so check before you arrive and download offline maps and any info you’ll need. And because the lodging mix is so wide (camping, cabins, full resorts, vacation rentals, a few hotels and motels), you can find exactly the kind of stay that fits your trip. Everything’s small-town sized too, so you’re not burning vacation time in traffic between the campsite and the lake.
Your pace, your call. Some days call for adrenaline — rafting the river, or renting a jet ski on the lake. Other days call for quiet: a paddle at sunrise, a slow lunch, a book read in a hammock. That’s really what getting away from it all means here — not just unplugging, but finally getting to spend time with the people who matter most (or nobody at all), doing whatever actually recharges you.
It’s a large, rugged county with four distinct regions along the Trinity River and the Trinity and Lewiston Lakes, and Ruth Lake, each with its own personality, lodging, and list of things to do. Here’s the breakdown, region by region.
Region 1: Weaverville & Down the Trinity River
Weaverville is the largest community in the county — a charming, walkable historic district with buildings that bring back the old west, plus shops, galleries, and museums worth poking around before you head to the water. (The river stretch this region is named for runs downriver from Junction City to Salyer.) Looking for food and drink? There are numerous bars, restaurants, and coffee shops to choose from.
Where to stay:
- Weaverville Hotel
- The 49er
- Handlebar Hotel
- Trinity Alps RV Park — book the bunk house if you want everyone under one roof
What to do in Weaverville:
- Stroll the Weaverville Historic District — check out the well-preserved historic buildings, including the iconic Weaverville Band Stand, along with shops, restaurants, and more
- Joss House State Historic Park — one of the oldest Chinese temples still standing in California, a quick but worthwhile stop into local history
- Jake Jackson Museum and History Park — gold rush–era artifacts and exhibits on the county’s mining, logging, and native histories
- Round out the day with a game of golf, a round at the bowling alley, or disc golf at Lee Fong Park. In the evening, watch a movie at the vintage theater, or check what’s on at Yantra Events Space, the Trinity Alps Performing Arts Center, or the Trinity County Brewing Co.
What to do Downriver (along the 299 West of Weaverville):
- Raft the Trinity River with one of the local rafting companies
- Fish for salmon and steelhead when they’re running
- Find the best swimming hole along the Trinity or one of its tributaries
- Visit the Rigdzin Ling Gompa, the local Buddhist center
Where to stay: Del Loma RV Park or the Strawhouse Resort.
Brief itinerary:
- Morning: coffee at the Strawhouse Café
- Midday: raft the Trinity River
- Afternoon: back to Weaverville to wander the historic district, Joss House State Historic Park, or the Jake Jackson Museum
- Evening: catch a show or movie, then dinner in Weaverville
Region 2: Ruth Lake Area (Southern Trinity)
Want to feel truly off-grid? This is it. Hayfork, Hyampom, Ruth Lake, Mad River, and Zenia are spread across the southern end of the county, centered around Ruth Lake.
Where to stay:
- Ruth Rec Campground — private campground with plenty of room to spread out
- Fir Cove Campground — Forest Service, first-come first-served
- Bailey Canyon Campground — Forest Service, first-come first-served
What to do:
- Rent a boat at Ruth Lake Marina and spend the day fishing for bass, crappie, or trout
- Find a swimming hole along the South Fork of the Trinity River
Where to eat:
- Journey’s End — restaurant, bar, general store, and cabins in one spot. Seasonal (May–October), so you’re covered for Labor Day.
- Mad River Burger Bar
Brief itinerary:
- Morning: rent a kayak for a morning paddle on Ruth Lake at the marina
- Afternoon: find a swimming hole along the South Fork of the Trinity
- Evening: dinner and drinks at Journey’s End
Region 3: Northern Trinity County (Trinity Center, Coffee Creek & Trinity Lake)
This is the big one — it sits right at the foot of the Trinity Alps, so it’s the region if you want to hike, fish, swim, and boat all in the same day. It also has the widest range of lodging in the county, hands down.
Where to stay:
- Carrville Inn Resort — the more luxurious pick for a nicer home base (historic property in Coffee Creek; worth confirming booking details directly, since it’s also known as an event venue)
- Ripple Creek Resort or Sunflower Cabins — cabins that work well if you want your own space
- Bonanza King Resort — resort, cabins, and camping combined
- Trinity Lake KOA Holiday — cabins, RV sites, camping, plus a pool, mini golf, kayak rentals, and a playground (great with kids along)
- Pinewood Cove Resort — RV, resort, campground, and cabins, under new ownership as of 2025
- Coffee Creek Campground & RV Park
- Tannery Gulch Campground — Forest Service, right on Trinity Lake, 84 sites, boat ramp, swim beach, and a nature trail
- Clark Springs Campground — Forest Service, also on Trinity Lake, walk-in tent sites next to a creek, with a boat ramp and swim beach close by
What to do:
- Hike a trailhead into the Alps
- Fish a creek or the lake
- Swim at one of the lake’s beaches, or just jump in the lake
- Rent a boat at Trinity Alps Marina or Trinity Lake Marina for fishing, tubing, or just cruising
- Alpen Cellars — local winery, open daily 10am-4pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day; by appointment only after that, so call ahead if you’re visiting later in September
Where to eat:
- Trailhead Pizza — wood-fired pizza
- Yellow Jacket Eatery — locally sourced menu
- Bear’s Breath Bar & Grill — at Trinity Alps Resort, known for prime rib, a big salad bar, and a Wednesday spaghetti buffet, with patio seating on the Stuart Fork River
- Coffee Creek Store — good for supplies and daily specials
Brief itinerary:
- Morning: hike a trailhead or walk along the lake
- Midday: swim or grab a boat rental on Trinity Lake
- Afternoon: fish from shore or keep boating
- Evening: dinner at Trailhead Pizza, Yellow Jacket, or Bear’s Breath, then a fire back at camp
Region 4: Lewiston & Douglas City
Lewiston is known as a cute historic village, but it’s also set right where Lewiston Lake meets the Upper Trinity River — paddle the lake, fish or float the river, and there’s plenty to keep you busy without going far. Lodging here is a good mix of resort-style stays and quiet Forest Service camping, including a glamping option if you want the outdoors experience without owning any camping gear.
Where to stay:
- Lakeview Terrace Resort — outdoor pool, plenty of room to spread out
- Lewiston Valley Motel & RV Park — also has an outdoor pool
- The Old Lewiston Inn
- Indian Creek Lodge — great for anglers and families, with expansive riverfront grounds and a seasonal pool
- Mary Smith Campground — Forest Service, with six glamping tents if you want to skip the tent-pitching
- Cooper Gulch Campground — quiet, no-frills Forest Service option
What to do:
- Explore Old Lewiston and check out the historic bridge
- Pine Cove Marina — the only marina on Lewiston Lake, so this is your spot for boat rentals here
- Old Bridge Rafting — pair a boat day with a Trinity River float or raft trip
- One Maple Winery
Where to eat:
- Misha’s Morsels — breakfast spot
- J&J’s Smokin’ BBQ and Catering — proper barbecue
Brief itinerary:
- Morning: breakfast at Misha’s Morsels
- Late morning: boat rental at Pine Cove Marina
- Afternoon: raft or float trip with Old Bridge Rafting
- Evening: BBQ at J&J’s to close things out
Getting Away From It All
Four regions, one county. Go big some hours, go quiet the rest, and let the trip find its own rhythm. Labor Day weekend is the last real window before summer wraps up — pick a region (or hit two or three) and go rediscover Trinity County.
