Junction City, California --The gateway of the majestic Trinity Alps is located on Highway 299 in Trinity County northwest of Redding between Willow Creek and Weaverville near Clair Engle Lake. This scenic roadside community retains the flavor of the old west with it's county population of less than 15,000, no stoplights, no parking meters, no incorporated towns and public ownership of almost 90% of the land. The region is ideal for nature trips that include fishing, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding and being outdoors.  For the traveler, Junction City is a road stop with a gas station, several shops and beautiful water views along the winding 299 between Redding and Eureka.

Fresh streams of the Trinity River that meander through Shasta Trinity National Forest and Junction City Campgrounds operated by the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management start as melted snow on the slopes of Mt. Eddy. As Trinity River flows through Trinity County and into Humboldt County before merging into the Klamath River, Trinity Dam impounds Clair Engle Lake.

History of the region -- Junction City was named around 1861 while serving as a junction for several transportation routes at Canyon Creek and Trinity River. Gold mining in Junction City began during the Gold Rush and continued into the 1900s. One of the most notable mines in these area lies on Oregon Mt. between Junction City and Weaverville. The La Grange Mine operated from the mid-1800s until its large-scale operations ceased in 1918. It was the world's largest hydraulic mine, producing more than $3,500,000 in gold.

The water used for this mine came from high in the Trinity Alps many miles away. Water flowed through a reservoir 29 miles through a system of flumes, siphons, ditcher and tunnels to the mine, where it was used to wash the hillsides. A marker on the south side of Highway 299 about 3 miles west of Junction City indicates this mine's location.

The Trinity River habitation is believe to have existed over 12,000 years ago. Chimariko were the elder tribes of the region and Hoopa tribes dated to 8,000 years. The first whites in the area were trappers. Jeddah Smith recorded his travels along the Trinity River in 1828.

Panning for gold, hiking and rock climbing are extremely popular in this region. Climbs are located at nearby Canyon Creek Trail, Burnt Ranch and other areas. Horseback riding is available at several local horse packing outfitters will take you into the Trinity Alps from the Hobo Gulch or Canyon Creek Trailheads. These services range from half day to trips. Houseboats, Water Skiing, Wake Boarding, Jet Skiing, Sailing, and Fishing are available on the lake. Golf is available at Trinity Alps Golf & Country Club in Weaverville or Bigfoot Golf and Country Club in Willow Creek.

Kayaking is popular in this stretch of the Trinity River. Trinity River from Douglas City to Junction City
is a Class I,  11-mile journey that takes approximately one day. This is one of the most scenic beginner runs in California with the middle section retaining a wilderness feel. Douglas City General Store and Junction City Store are within range of this trek. Douglas City General Store: 530-623-6376. Junction City Store (530-623-2803)

Museums
Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park Main Street, Weaverville
J.Jake Jackson Memorial Museum and Historical Park, Main Street, Weaverville
Weaverville Firefighters Museum, 100 Bremer St., Weaverville
Lee Family Ranch House Folk Art Center, Weaverville: gallery and home of the Trinity County Arts Council
China Flat Museum & Bigfoot Collection, Willow Creek
Hoopa Tribal Museum, Hoopa
Scott Museum, Trinity Center
Jorstad Cabin, along the Hobo Gulch Trail.