Flowing forth from the largest glaciated drainage in the high Trinity Alps, the Stuart Fork carries meltwater from winter snowpack that caps the granitic peaks of the White Trinities and the ultramafic peaks of the Red Trinities. This fork of the river is a powerhouse and it was tapped heavily in the mining era and was diverted 29 miles through an extensive tunnel and ditch network to the LaGrange Mine to the west of Weaverville. Now, with its water all back in its natural stream channel, the Stuart Fork flows forth from the Trinities until it is impounded in Trinity Lake, its confluence with the main Trinity River now buried in the depths of the reservoir.
But rejoice: the Stuart Fork offers up an epic hike-in wilderness run for intrepid paddlers. This is prime territory for packrafts: a 7-mile hike on the Stuart Fork Trail to a put-in at the confluence with Deer Creek, epic camping opportunities in a vast wilderness area, and a challenging whitewater run to get you back to civilization. Expect views of thick forest, snow-capped peaks, and water that is very clear and cold. The river canyon here is over 4,000 feet deep as its squeezes between Monument Peak at the southern tip of the White Trinities and Granite Peak in the Red Trinities. It is possible to hike even further in and paddle more of the Stuart Fork: consider this cutting-edge backcountry exploration.
The whitewater is continuous, non-stop action. The largest single drop is at Alpine Creek (scout left) but you will have been out to scout several drops before here.
Hazards
Mining activity in the stream channel has created some hazards, big holes, and undercuts so be alert. There are guaranteed wood hazards on this run: always be alert.
Flow & Season
There is no gage on the Stuart Fork. Generally, it will be boatable when the Trinity above Trinity Lake, Canyon Creek, and NF Trinity are flowing at medium boatable flows. The best correlation gage is the Trinity River above Coffee Creek; flows of 800-1500 cfs at that gage likely indicate a medium flow level for the Stuart Fork.
The Stuart Fork runs in winter on rain and rain/snowmelt and also during spring runoff. In a good snowpack year, boatable flows can extend into or through June.
Logistics
_Hike Info_
Begin hiking on the trail at the Stuart Fork Trailhead, at the end of Stuart Fork Road about three miles up from Highway 3. The trailhead is adjacent to Bridge Camp Campground. The trail begins as a closed roadbed but narrows down to single-track within its first mile. Follow the signs for the trail whenever the roadbed forks off. The trail parallels the river on river left, sometimes offering views of the river and occasionally dropping down to its banks.
_Put-in_
Although its possible to put in anywhere you can access the Stuart Fork, the full run begins at the confluence with Deer Creek, about seven miles from the trailhead.
_Take-out_
Take out at the
Bridge Camp Campground (river access open all year, campground open May 15-Oct 31) or continue through the lower run to take-out at Trinity Alps Resort.
A free wilderness permit is required for overnight stays within the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area. You can get these at the ranger station at 360 Main Street, Weaverville (530-623-2121) and at the Forest Service compound at Coffee Creek. No permit is needed for day trips.
Additional Information
Best guidebook: The New School Guide to Northern California Whitewater (Dan Menten, 2016), p. 155.