| Trinity Alps Wilderness | |
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 55 large alpine lakes dot the Trinity Alps Wilderness with more than 100 smaller ones | |
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| Location | Trinity /Siskiyou /Humboldt counties,California,United States |
| Nearest city | Weaverville,California |
| Coordinates | 41°01′00″N123°05′10″W / 41.01667°N 123.08611°W /41.01667; -123.08611 |
| Area | 525,627 acres (212,714 ha) |
| Established | 1984 |
| Governing body | U.S. Forest Service /Bureau of Land Management |
TheTrinity Alps Wilderness is a 525,627-acre (212,714 ha) designated wilderness located in northernCalifornia, roughly betweenEureka andRedding. It is jointly administered byShasta-Trinity,Klamath, andSix Rivers National Forests. About 4,623 acres (1,871 ha) are administered by theBureau of Land Management.[1] The wilderness is located in the Salmon and Scott Mountains, subranges of the Klamath Mountains region. The high,granitic and ultramafic peaks of the eastern half of thewilderness area are known as theTrinity Alps. Granite peaks at the core of the area are known as the White Trinities, reddish ultramafic peaks in the southeast are known as the Red Trinities, and the forested mountains in the western half of the wilderness are known as the Green Trinities.
The botanical diversity of the Trinity Alps is quite unique. The region has intrigued botanists for many years because of the predominance of the Sierran flora only 60 miles (100 kilometers) from the Pacific Ocean.[2] Conifers common in theSierra Nevada such asfoxtail pines,lodgepole pines,western white pines,whitebark pines,ponderosa pines,red firs, andwhite firs are also common in the Alps alongside the endemicBrewer spruce.[3] Large wildfires swept through the western forests in recent years.
Wildlife species includeAmerican black bears, black-tailed deer, cougars, coyotes, bobcats, porcupine, spotted skunk, various birds of prey and songbirds . Bears are common in the wilderness, so use abear bag orbear canister.
Glacial cirques dominate the high country. The highest point isThompson Peak at 9,001 ft (2,744 m).
The wilderness contains approximately 520 miles (840 km)[4] of hiking trails, including 17 miles (27 km) of thePacific Crest Trail and 35 miles (60 km) of theBigfoot Trail. The most popular entry points into the wilderness are from theWeaverville area around Trinity Lake or fromJunction City. Additional routes are seasonally accessible by car from the north and west. The paved road north from Junction City leads to the Canyon Creek trail, the most popular trail in the wilderness. The longest trails take several days to complete. The Pacific Crest Trail traverses the Scott Mountains in the northeast portion of the wilderness.
Glacial cirques hold many small lakes stocked with trout and ponds frequented by newts. Streams offer trout fishing, and tributaries to the lower Trinity River hold migratory steelhead and chinook salmon. Hunting occurs in late summer and fall for deer, bear, and bandtailed pigeon.
Although some of the high lakes are popular in summer, most of the land is infrequently visited. Many of the trails are in poor condition and hard to follow, so skills with map and compass are essential. Rock climbing opportunities are excellent on vast granite slabs and peaks.[citation needed]
Historic gold mining structures and relics add interest for visitors in various parts of the wilderness. Gold panning continues to be good for the experienced amateur.
Granite Peak is a good destination for views as well as Silligo peak, on the Four Lakes Loop. Trinity Lake is visible to the south, and much of the rest of the area is visible as well. Remnants of the old lookout station remain.[citation needed]
Until recently,[when?] about 4,000 acres (1,600 ha) of private land (inholdings) remained within the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Purchases by theWilderness Land Trust have reduced this acreage by more than 40 percent.
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