Trinity’s Top 5 Spring Activities
Spring Has Arrived; Here are the Top 5 Things to do in Trinity Right Now
Where wildflowers bloom, the fish are biting, and the views are just unfair.
Tucked away in the mountains of Northern California, Trinity County is one of those places that feels like a secret — even though it’s been there all along. Spring is arguably the best time to visit: the snow has melted from the lower elevations, the hills are green, the wildflowers are beginning to emerge, and the crowds haven’t arrived yet. Whether you’re a hardcore outdoors person or just looking for a long weekend that feels restorative, Trinity County in spring has something for you.
1. Bass Fishing on Trinity or Ruth Lake
Ruth Lake — is a smaller reservoir in southern Trinity County. The area is beautiful this time of year, and the bass fishing is as good as it gets. If you want to rent a boat, the Ruth Lake Marina opens April 1st, where you can rent a variety of boats to get the best access to fishing.
Trinity Lake — one of the largest reservoirs in California — comes alive in spring as warming water temperatures bring the bass out of their winter haunts and into the shallows. This is prime time for largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing, with miles of shoreline, rocky points, and coves that reward anglers willing to explore. The lake’s sheer size means you can find a quiet stretch to yourself, even on the most beautiful spring weekend.
After a day on the water, head over to Yellow Jacket Eatery, which just opened for the season, in nearby Trinity Center — a locally sourced, farm-to-table spot with outdoor seating that’s perfectly suited to a post-fishing lunch or early dinner or a cocktail at the end of the day. It’s casual, friendly, and the kind of place that feels like it was made for fishermen.
Tip: Pick up your fishing license online before you go. Bring layers — mornings on the lake can be crisp even in Spring. At Trinity Lake launch from the Tannery Gulch or Stoney Creek boat ramps.
2. Hunt for Shooting Stars, Paintbrush & Redbud
It’s still early in the season, but that’s exactly when some of Trinity County’s most spectacular wildflowers make their appearance. Keep your eyes open for shooting stars — those unmistakable magenta blooms with swept-back petals that appear in moist meadows and along stream banks. Indian paintbrush blazes in shades of red and orange across open hillsides, and the iconic western redbud puts on a stunning show before its leaves even emerge, draping rocky slopes and canyon walls in vivid pink-purple clusters.
The trails around Weaverville offer some of the most accessible early-season wildflower hunting. The Trinity Trail Alliance maintains an excellent network of non-motorized trails — their website is a great resource for current trail conditions and maps before you head out. For redbud, watch for it along Highway 299 and in the lower canyon areas where it thrives on rocky, sun-warmed slopes.
Tip: Plan ahead, seasonal streams mean you may have creek and stream crossings this time of year. Later in the season, as the snows melt, climb to higher elevations in the Trinity Alps to discover a whole new world of wildflowers.
3. Explore the Local Art Galleries
Weaverville’s arts scene punches well above its weight. The Highland Art Center — a beautifully preserved 1893 Victorian farmhouse at 691 Main Street — is the cultural heart of downtown, with a main gallery, artist studios, a library, and a lovely garden meadow. It’s been a pillar of the arts in Trinity County for over 50 years, showcasing local and regional painters, sculptors, photographers, and ceramicists.
The Trinity County Arts Council organizes the popular First Saturday Art Walk (5–8 pm, first Saturday of every month), when multiple galleries and venues along Main Street open simultaneously for artist receptions and live music — a wonderful way to meet the people behind the work. The nearby Joss House State Historic Park, California’s oldest continually used Chinese Taoist temple, is also worth a visit for its own remarkable cultural and artistic history.
Tip: Plan your visit around the First Saturday Art Walk for the most vibrant experience. Many of the artists showing their work live and work right here in the county.
4. Fly Like a Bird with a Tandem Paraglider
Yes you can! Check this life changing experience off your bucket list and enjoy the stunning views like no other. Trinity County now offers paragliding experiences with Trinity Paragliding. Make sure and bring warm clothes and call ahead to book your flight. Of of the most exciting launch spots is just out of Weaverville off Weaver Bally, a short ride into town where you can grab a toasty sandwich at Papa Dogs Taphouse and Deli to get a cup of soup and warm pastrami sandwich or enjoy a hot tea and organic bowl from the Moon House Cafe.
5. Dinner & a Show
Trinity County has a genuinely impressive dining scene for such a small, remote county. In Weaverville, Asian Taste is a local favorite for fresh, flavorful cooking, while the Trinity Alps Restaurant delivers hearty, satisfying meals in a classic mountain-town setting. For a livelier evening, head to The Trinity County Brewery — a local gathering spot that regularly features live music and is perfect for lingering over a cold pint after a long day outside.
After your meal, check the local listing in the Trinity Journal for a variety of live entertainment. The Trinity Alps Performing Arts Center (TAPAC) is an 11,000-square-foot community-built theater hosting plays, live music, dance, comedy, and more throughout the spring season. The Trinity Theater on Main Street is a beautifully renovated historic 1939 venue that’s worth checking for current screenings and events. There’s something deeply satisfying about catching a live show in a small mountain town after a full day outside.
Tip: Follow Visit Trinity’s Facebook and Instagram accounts for up to date news about what’s going on — spring brings a variety of performances to the area from comedy to chamber music.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
To make your trip perfect, Trinity has a great variety of hotels, resorts, and rentals to choose from. In Weaverville, try the 49er Motel’s remodeled rooms. The Weaverville Hotel, Court Street Inn, and Whitmore Inns offer a more boutique experience in walking distance from restaurants and the movie theater. Near Trinity Lake, the Bonanza King resort is a very popular place to get away in comfort.
Wanting to try Spring camping? Try a stay at Pinewood Cove on Trinity Lake. Southern Trinity is less developed, but there are some great campgrounds on the lake.
