Photo Credit Lacey Foster

Trinity Lake offers a scenic paddle in one of the finest paddling destinations in California. Paddlers quickly realize that the view of the mountains casting perfect reflections onto the water is enough to get onto the water at the crack of dawn! The 145-mile shoreline is marked by dozens of scenic coves. The lake’s drawn-downs can lower lake’s water level considerably by the end of the season.

Trinity Lake is located one-and-a-half hours from the city of Redding, near the town of Weaverville. This monstrous lake, located at 2300’ feet elevation, is the third largest lake in California.

Don’t be surprised if an eagle soars above the treetops and swoops down to catch fish right out of the lake in front of your kayak. The lake is surrounded by Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The low mountainsides covered with magnificent forests of cedar and pine descend to the edge of the water. Snowcapped peaks frame this pristine mountain lake located in the majestic Trinity Alps. When you come to Trinity Lake, you will discover for yourself one of the finest paddling and boat-in camping destinations in the state of California.

Trinity Lake is recognized as one of the state’s top fishing destinations and continues to provide excellent fishing for catfish, kokanee salmon, channel catfish, small and largemouth bass, bluegill, and chinook and trout. This lake is one of the best destinations in California to catch smallmouth bass during the early spring when they come out of hibernation.

Map of Trinity Lake