Outposts in Paradise, The Villages of Trinity County
The Villages of Trinity CountyThe lifestyle of Trinity County is definitely rural. And like rural areas everywhere, the lifestyle centers around the local community, no matter how large or how small. The larger communities, like Weaverville, Hayfork, Lewiston and Trinity Center have identifiable residential neighborhoods and established business districts. Others, like Ruth, Salyer and Wildwood are less recognizable, and in fact, seem to appear suddenly, during a summer country festival, when a community meeting is called, or during emergencies when they come together to help their neighbors. Then they disappear again, as though the community had never existed. These communities center around the local country store, with its gas pumps and post office, at times a small restaurant, and always, a community bulletin board. An outpost on a winding country road, an outpost in paradise.
Less visible are those who form the community, whose homes are scattered throughout the hills or along a back road marked with an occasional cluster of mail boxes, but who always come forward whenever a sick neighbor needs firewood, when the local school or church needs volunteers, or when folks just want to get together to talk.
Whatever the makeup, each community maintains its own character, and is staunchly supported and defended by its inhabitants.
Coffee Creek is
the northernmost community in Trinity County, and was a very rich mining
center during the Great Gold Rush. Legend has it that a pack train loaded
with coffee for the gold fields was washed away in a torrential flood,
hence the name "Coffee Creek." Others contend that the normally crystal
clear waters were colored a deep rich coffee color by the spring runoff.
Either way, today Coffee Creek is a community in a spectacular mountain
setting. You can get a meal here, and a tank of gas for the 39-mile trip
over Scotts Mountain toward Interstate 5.
Lewiston has
its own historic district along the Trinity River, with charming boutiques,
rv parks, lodging and restaurants. Visit the Trinity River hatchery where
salmon and steelhead are raised to enhance the sport fishery on the Trinity
River. Nearby Lewiston Lake offers trout fishing, wildlife watching, lodging
and camping. The Old Lewiston Peddler's Faire, held the third Saturday
in May, is well-known for the arts, crafts and collectibles sold by over
200 vendors, along with food booths and music.
