Boat ramp guide
Trinity Center Boat Ramp & Marina
Trinity Center, Trinity County, CA
Overview
Trinity Center is the launch point for the north end of Trinity Lake, next to the small town of Trinity Center on State Highway 3. Two facilities share the shoreline here: the Forest Service's Trinity Center Boat Launch Facility and Trinity Center Marina at the end of Mary Avenue.
The public ramp
The Forest Service ramp is usable until the lake is drawn down about 65 feet. A courtesy dock is in place from May 1 to October 1, depending on lake levels. Like other designated Trinity Lake ramps, it has a paved ramp, lighted parking, restrooms and trash service. The state boating facilities listing also credits it with launching valet service, oil disposal and a pump-out. The Forest Service ramp guide (revised June 2024) lists a $12 launch fee.
The marina
Trinity Center Marina is listed with 44 covered slips for boats 8 to 55 feet, about 50 trailer parking spaces, a boarding float and carry-down walkway, fuel sales, a convenience store, tackle, ice, boat rentals, shore-boat service and power and water on the docks.
Boating notes
Trinity Lake can drop sharply in dry years. When the drawdown passes about 50 feet, some Trinity ramps close and others shift, so check with the Weaverville Ranger Station before towing in.
Getting there & access
By road
Trinity Center sits on State Highway 3 at the north end of Trinity Lake. The Forest Service launch is listed at 45810 State Highway 3, and the marina is at the end of Mary Avenue in Trinity Center.
Launching
The Forest Service ramp works until the lake is drawn down about 65 feet. The courtesy dock is in from May 1 to October 1 when levels allow. Ramps can close when parking fills or debris makes launching hazardous.
Low water
Once the drawdown passes about 50 feet, some Trinity Lake ramps close and others move to alternate locations. Check current conditions with the Weaverville Ranger Station, (530) 623-2121, or the self-service kiosks at Coffee Creek and Mule Creek fire stations.
Marina access
The marina has a boarding float and a carry-down walkway, which suits hand-launched craft. Call (530) 286-2225 about slips and fuel.
Amenities
- Public ramp — Paved Forest Service ramp, lighted parking, restrooms and trash
- Courtesy dock — Seasonal, May 1–Oct 1
- Covered slips — 44 at Trinity Center Marina, boats 8–55 ft
- Fuel — Fuel sales at the marina
- Store — Convenience store, fishing tackle and ice
- Boat rentals — Rentals and shore-boat service
- Dock utilities — Power and water on the marina docks
- Pump-out and oil disposal — Listed at the launch facility
Rules & official resources
- Trinity Center ramp is usable to a 65-foot drawdown; courtesy dock May 1–Oct 1 depending on lake levels; ramps may close when parking fills or debris makes launching hazardous
- Forest Order 14-25-29 (effective December 4, 2025 through December 4, 2027) prohibits possessing or transporting golden, zebra or quagga mussels below the high-water mark of Shasta, Trinity and Lewiston lakes or on any ramp that serves them; violations carry fines up to $5,000 for individuals
- All watercraft must be cleaned, drained and completely dried before launching at Whiskeytown, Shasta, Trinity and Lewiston lakes: at least 5 days dry if last used outside the NRA, at least 30 days dry (or professional decontamination) if used in a county or waterbody with known golden mussels
- A signed Mussel-Free Self-Certification (form version dated July 1, 2026) displayed through the windshield speeds up launching at Shasta, Trinity, Lewiston and Whiskeytown lakes
- A current California Mussel Fee sticker is required on motorized watercraft operated in fresh water
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Engine service
Trinity Center is remote, with long runs down the lake. A pre-season engine and fuel-system service matters more here than at a lake with services every few miles.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Covered-slip upkeep
Boats in the covered slips avoid most sun, but long seasons on the water still bring scum lines and hull grime. Periodic cleaning keeps the hull clean and ready for the dry-out required when moving lakes.
Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →Seasonal moves and storage
Lake levels can drop sharply in dry years, so owners often pull boats or move them as ramps close. Transport and storage help is common in fall.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 8, 2026