Trinity River

The Trinity River finds few rivals for natural beauty. Off to a quiet start, it races through steep canyons and rustic meadows slowly gathering steam for a high-charged rendezvous with the Klamath. A two-day canoe or raft trip down the 40-mile reach from Lewiston to Helena offers vestiges of the region's gold rush history and knockout views of the snowcapped Trinity Alps. Steelhead and salmon runs are legendary, and rainbow and brown trout lurk in pools that don't stay secret long. Three nearby BLM campgrounds at Steelbridge, Douglas City, and Junction City add to your vacation options. The river's lower section offers some easy family floats—not to mention plenty swimmable sections—through the scenic canyons of forested Tish Tang Gorge.When to Go:
Late spring-summer for float trips, fall for fishing.