Lake guide
Trinity Lake
Trinity Center, Trinity County, CA
Overview
Trinity Lake in the Trinity Alps country is a huge Shasta-Trinity National Forest reservoir with 145 miles of shoreline, about 17,000 surface acres and 2.5 million acre-feet of storage when full. Its dam is one of the highest earth-filled dams in the world. The lake is about 20 miles long and runs north of Weaverville along State Route 3, and the water level can swing widely.
Ramps
The Forest Service lists multiple ramps. Trinity Center Boat Ramp is on State Route 3 near the north end. Stuart Fork Boat Ramp is about 13 miles north of Weaverville. Both are day-use only, with vault toilets, and are managed by Shasta Recreation Company. Trinity Center opens down to a 65-foot drawdown, so check lake levels before you tow.
Mussel rules
The Forest Service has an order from December 4, 2025 to December 4, 2027 that bans possessing or transporting golden, zebra and quagga mussels below the high-water mark and at ramps at Trinity, Shasta, Lewiston, Iron Canyon and McCloud. Violations can mean up to $5,000 for individuals and up to six months in jail. Boaters must obtain an Invasive Mussel-Free Certification before launching, and motorized boats need the California Mussel Fee sticker.
Who boats here
Houseboaters, anglers and wakeboarders use the lake. Some Forest Service campgrounds are reachable only by water.
Getting there & access
Trinity Center Boat Ramp
On State Route 3 near the north end. From Weaverville take SR 3 north 29 miles, turn right on Airport Road, then right on Mary Avenue; the ramp is about a mile on. It is day use only with a courtesy dock, two vault toilets and a dumpster, no potable water, and the nearest fuel is at Trinity Center Store. Fee is $16 per day and dogs must be on a leash 6 feet or shorter.
Stuart Fork Boat Ramp
About 13 miles north of Weaverville on State Route 3. Day use only at $17 per vehicle per day, with a vault toilet and no potable water. The Recreation.gov pass is first-come, first-served and bought on site by scanning a QR code in the app; fill in the envelope and leave half on your dash.
Mussel certification
Complete the Invasive Mussel-Free Certification before launch. Boats from high-risk counties need professional decontamination or a 30-day dry period; boats from other waters need at least five days of drying. Display the certificate through your windshield.
Low water
Ramps close as the lake drops, and Trinity Center is open to 65 feet of drawdown. Check current lake levels with the Forest Service or Shasta Recreation Company before towing.
Amenities
- Trinity Center Boat Ramp — Day-use ramp with courtesy dock, vault toilets and dumpster
- Stuart Fork Boat Ramp — Day-use ramp with vault toilet
- Additional ramps — Local tourism lists Bowerman Gulch, Clark Springs, Cedar Stock, Fairview and Pinewood Cove, plus a low-water ramp at Minersville
- Houseboats and marinas — Private marinas offer houseboat rentals, fuel and supplies
- Fuel — Nearest fuel to Trinity Center ramp is Trinity Center Store
- Water-only campgrounds — Forest Service campgrounds, some accessible only by water
Rules & official resources
- Possessing or transporting golden, zebra or quagga mussels below the high-water mark or at boat ramps is prohibited under the Forest Service order, with fines up to $5,000 for individuals
- Boaters must obtain and display an Invasive Mussel-Free Certification before launching at Trinity Lake
- Clean, drain and dry boats before and after use; motorized boats need a Mussel Fee sticker
- Trinity Center ramp: day use only, no overnight camping; leashed dogs 6 feet or shorter
- Stuart Fork ramp: day use only, parking passes first-come, first-served through Recreation.gov
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Flush and dry prep
Mussel certification at Trinity requires dry-time between waters, so owners need engines and bilges flushed and dried and sometimes professional decontamination.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Houseboat electrical checks
Houseboats and long-range cruisers here depend on generators, batteries and wiring, and need pre-season electrical checks.
Find Marine Electrical & Electronics providers →Canvas and covers
Hot, sunny interior summers and snowy winters are hard on covers and bimini tops.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Transport to a remote lake
Trinity is far from major cities, so owners often hire towing and delivery services.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 5, 2026