Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

Trinity & Lewiston Lakes - Boating

Non-Native Invasive Species - Quagga/Zebra Mussel

Quagga mussels were discovered in Lake Mead January 6, 2007.  Mussels of the genus Dreissena (quagga and zebra mussels) are an invasive species native to Russia and Ukraine and are thought to have been transported to the Great Lakes region in the ballast water of transoceanic ships.  The invasive Quagga mussel has been positively identified in California, according to the Department of Fish and Game.  Quagga mussels were discovered by Metropolitan Water district divers Wednesday, January 17 at Lake Havasu, and again on Friday, January 19 about 14 miles to the north.

Boat Launching

Both Forest Service and commercial ramps are available. Each of the six designated Forest Service ramps has a paved ramp, restrooms and garbage disposal facilities. A daily use fee is required. Not all ramps are open year-round. When lake levels are down more than 75 feet, some ramps become inoperable or are moved to an alternate location. There are a few ramps designed with long enough paved ramps to accommodate launching when the lake levels go down below 75 feet drawdown. These ramps are located at Minersvillle, Trinity Lake Resort and Estrellita. Additional launching facilities may be available at the marinas.

Concessionaire to the Trinity Unit: Hodge Management

Select a site to view ramp detail. You may also view a Trinity Lake Boat Ramp Map.

*These facilities offer Accessible Loading Platforms and slips for patient lifts in addition to the ramps.

Select here to access information about Boating Regulations

Lake Fluctuations & Underwater Obstacles

Annual precipitation and the demand for water are the primary determinants of water levels in Trinity Lake.  Lake levels can vary from a few inches to several feet per day.  As water levels fluctuate, remnants of the past, and other underwater obstacles such as rocks, trees, stumps and other landforms may become exposed or may lie just below the water surface when the lake level changes.

Debris

Floating debris (such as limbs, logs and bark) generally enter the lake through rivers and streams. Following winter storms and during spring runoff, a considerable amount of debris may accumulate in Trinity Lake.

The rising lake also "refloats" any debris beached on the shoreline from previous years. The larger debris can present a physical obstacle for boaters, while smaller debris can clog water intake ports in boat engine cooling systems, and can ruin props. Boat operators should maintain a constant watch and travel reduced speeds when these conditions exist. Fairview and Trinity Center boat ramps, due to their location and the direction of prevailing winds during the spring months,
are most likely to be impacted by debris. During the peak summer months, most debris is beached on the shoreline with little impact on public enjoyment or safety.

If you would like to receive more information about boating on Trinity Lake, you can contact the Weaverville Ranger Station and request a free copy of the "Trinity Lake Boating Safety" brochure.