Recreation at Trinity Lake (Clair Engle Lake) is managed by the U. S. Forest Service under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Northern California Area Office, Redding, California. The reservoir is part of the Whiskeytown - Shasta - Trinity National Recreation Area. A snowmelt reservoir at the 2,387-foot elevatio
Maybe — confirm before you go.
Reclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
- Fee type Fee unknown — The fee structure here is unconfirmed.
- Source Find on Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Check
- Official pagewww.recreation.gov ↗
- Contact 530-623-2121
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Trinity Lake — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?
Maybe — Reclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here. Check with the managing agency before you go.
Yes Can you fish at Trinity Lake?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Trinity Lake. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you camp at Trinity Lake?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Tannery Road, Smith Gulch Road, Big Mule Road, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Trinity Lake. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Is hunting allowed?
Yes — hunting is permitted here in season, with the required state license and tags. Check seasons and unit rules.
Depends Is there winter recreation?
Yes — snow and winter activities are available seasonally. Check conditions and closures before you head out.
Nearby sites
Ken Lund / CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons Bureau of Reclamation Lewiston National Recreation Area
CheckReclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
Trinity River Fish Hatchery
CheckReclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
