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Wilderness Profile


Just three miles off of Interstate 80, Castle Peak Potential Wilderness is among the most scenic areas in the Tahoe National Forest. Home to extraordinary old-growth red fir forests and the little Truckee River, Castle Peak provides clean drinking water to residents of Nevada County.

South Fork Trinity Proposed Salmon Restoration Area

Managing agency: Shasta-Trinity National Forests.

Size: Approximately 22,000 acres.

Location: Trinity County within the South Fork Trinity River Watershed, near the town of Mad River, in between Hwy 36 and Hwy 299.

Description:

  • Prime spawning grounds for salmon and steelhead.
  • Whitewater rafting is a popular recreational activity.

The Trinity River winds its way through lower elevation hardwoods that include madrone, maple, chinquapins and oak. Further up the slopes, old growth forests composed of fir and cedar are found. These forests provide habitat for large mammals such as mountain lion and their frequent prey, the columbian blacktail deer. Black bear are also abundant in these mountains. Occasionally, one may observe the endangered spotted owl, as well as goshawks and falcons.

Along the river, red-legged frogs and pacific salamander, both threatened species, may be found along with other river dwellers such as the river otter. A designated Wild section of the South Fork Trinity River lies within the area and provides some of the best spawning grounds on the river for salmon and steelhead. Plummer Creek, a major tributary of the South Fork of the Trinity River, hosts a native steelhead run and provides the Trinity with a valuable source of cool water.

Recreational opportunities are abundant, as the river provides white-water rafters and boaters with challenging spring runs and the swimmer refreshing pools for swimming. Trails give the hiker access to some of California's most scenic areas.

For additional information, please contact:
California Wilderness Coalition
info@calwild.org