California is a land of vast contrasts. Death Valley, at 282 feet below sea level, is the lowest spot in the continental United States. Less than 86 miles away is Mount Whitney, the highest spot in the continental United States.
To the west, the San Joaquin Valley—called the Central Valley by many—is more than 380 nautical miles from one end to the other and can be flown at 1,000 feet agl without venturing above 2,000 feet msl. It's a good idea to avoid the Sutter Buttes, which rise to 2,117 feet msl a few miles northwest of Marysville. And then there are the man-made structures, such as the four radio-transmission towers south of the Sacramento VOR that rise to 2,000 agl. At the north end of the Central Valley, just above Redding, the land rises to form three mountain ranges.
Northern California mountains
The Siskiyou mountain range lies east and west and forms a high barrier between California and Oregon. The southern end of the Cascade range, which runs north to Canada, lifts the moisture-laden clouds that travel in from the west, separating Oregon and Washington into wet western and dry eastern sections. The Klamath Mountains separate California's North Coast from the Interstate 5 travel corridor. Trinity Center Airport (O86) is situated a few minutes' flying time west of the I-5 corridor on the shore of a 20-mile-long lake.
Trinity Mountains and Trinity Alps
In the 34-mile leg from Redding Municipal Airport on I-5, elevation 502 feet msl, to Trinity Center Airport, elevation 2,390, are the Trinity Mountains. Slate Mountain, the tallest mountain in the chain at 5,520 feet, lies north of the direct route from Redding. You're more likely to pass south of Wild Cow and Blue mountains, which stretch to 4,890 feet and 5,335, respectively, before you begin your descent. Since the crest of the mountain ridge is only seven miles east of the airport, some pilots deliberately cross the mountain ridge south of the direct route and descend gradually as they fly north up the lake to Trinity Center. According to Roger Goetz, AOPA 111621, a retired Pan Am pilot who lives in Trinity Center, there's the usual "ridge bump" of wind as the ridge is crossed. Goetz is a member of the Trinity County Pilots Association, which is dedicated to those interested in flying, preserving airports, and promoting air transportation in Trinity County.
West of the airport are the Trinity Alps, a cluster of peaks that rise from 7,500 to 9,000 feet asl. These peaks are in the middle of the Trinity Alps Wilderness area.
Trinity Center Airport
The Trinity Center Airport is a paved, state-maintained airport situated between Clair Engle Lake and the town of Trinity Center. The runway is 3,215 feet by 50 feet. Downwind is flown over the lake rather than the higher land to the west of the runway, and the prevailing winds most often result in right traffic being flown to Runway 32. Goetz pointed out a small windsock that local pilots mounted on top of a tree a few yards west of the numbers on Runway 32. A large windsock at the runway midpoint is the official wind direction indicator, but the locals gather additional wind information by checking their treetop windsock—and then cross-checking the wind direction by observing the boats at anchor off the end of Runway 32. The bows of the boats always point into the wind.
Once on the ground, tiedowns for transient aircraft are available at the ramp, located at the south end of the field. Overnight parking is $3. There are no official campsites on the airport.
Fly-ins
Until a few years ago the Trinity Center Airport was a prime destination airport for flying groups. This airport offered beautiful mountain scenery as well as good fishing and swimming, yet it was not far off the beaten path and was easy to find, approach, and use. Bush pilot skills aren't required to safely use Trinity Center Airport. Unfortunately, the Trinity Center Inn, which is located at the north end of the airport and played host to these fly-ins, changed hands a few years ago and now sits idle with no word on when or if it will reopen.
In spite of this setback, on Labor Day Sunday this year and every year for the foreseeable future, the annual Trinity Lake Fly-In Barbecue will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Everyone's welcome to come and share in the festivities, buy locally made crafts, and talk airplanes.
Trinity Center
The town of Trinity Center was originally settled in 1851. Gold was discovered in the local mountains, and while Trinity Center had its share of miners, its role as a hub for trade and travel in the area was more important. The town has been moved twice from its original site, once in the late 1850s because of mining interests and again in the late 1950s because of the construction of the Weaver Dam.
It's an easy walk from the airport into town. The road is uphill and meanders past grazing horses and burbling creeks. It is easy to find the Yellowjacket Café (530/266-3866), a fine spot to visit for the proverbial $100 hamburger, and if you're in town for dinner, the Sasquatch Restaurant (530/266-3250) is also open.
On Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m., the Scott Museum is open. You can find it by walking up the road at the north end of the airport. An excellent collection of local historical artifacts is on display.
Marina
Forever Resorts recently purchased the Trinity Center Marina. Located just south of the airport, the marina rents ski boats, patio boats, and tent sleeper boats. Plans appear to be in place to expand the rental fleet at Trinity Center. Call 800/255-5561 for further information and reservations or check the Web site ( www.foreverresorts.com).
Trinity County Chamber of Commerce
The Trinity County Chamber of Commerce Web site ( www.trinitycounty.com) offers comprehensive lists of local attractions including fishing information, site maps, activities, event calendars, and accommodations. In addition to motels, there are many cabins and housekeeping chalets in and around the Trinity Center area. The Carrville Inn, a restored 1854 inn that has been converted to a charming bed and breakfast, has been featured in national magazines. The chamber can answer questions and mail materials at 800/487-4648 or 530/623-6101.
For information on hiking and camping areas, call the Weaverville Ranger Station of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest at 530/623-2121.
Resorts
Twelve miles north of Trinity Center is the town of Coffee Creek and the home of the Coffee Creek Ranch. This guest ranch is a family-oriented resort with horseback riding, hiking, and youth programs as well as many other activities. For more information contact the Coffee Creek Ranch at 800/624-4480 or visit the Web site ( www.coffeecreekranch.com). The Coffee Creek area is also home to the Bonanza King Resort. For more information call 530/266-3305 or go to the Web site ( www.bonanzakingresort.com).
Getting around
There aren't any cars for rent in the area; however, there is the Trinity Mountain Taxi (530/286-2682), and most accommodations will be happy to provide transportation to and from the airport. In addition to these options, every member of the Trinity County Pilots Association whom I met said that they would be happy to help visitors.
Whether you're flying in for lunch, hiking in the mountains, fishing for the big one, spending time riding at a local guest ranch, or just checking off airports from your "fly-to" list, Trinity Center Airport will not disappoint you, and I'll wager you'll return for another landing.
Links to additional information about flying to Trinity Center may be found on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/pilots/links/links0009.shtml). E-mail the author at [email protected].
