Northern Mountains - California - page 733

The east side of the lake is quieter, with more secluded campgrounds, some accessible
only by boat. The Weaverville ranger station has information on USFS campgrounds.
Klamath & Siskiyou Mountains
A dense conglomeration of rugged coastal mountains gives this region the nickname 'the
Klamath Knot.' Coastal, temperate rainforest gives way to moist inland forest, creating an
immense diversity of habitats for many species, some found nowhere else in the world.
Around 3500 native plants live here. Local fauna includes the northern spotted owl, the
bald eagle, the tailed frog, several species of Pacific salmon and carnivores like the wol-
verine and the mountain lion. One theory for the extraordinary biodiversity of this area is
that it escaped extensive glaciation during recent ice ages. This may have given species
refuge and longer stretches of relatively favorable conditions during which to adapt.
The region also includes the largest concentration of wild and scenic rivers in the US:
the Salmon, Smith, Trinity, Eel and Klamath, to name a few. The fall color change is mag-
nificent.
Five main wilderness areas dot the Klamath Knot. The Marble Mountain Wilderness
in the north is marked by high rugged mountains, valleys and lakes, all sprinkled with col-
orful geological formations of marble and granite, and a huge array of flora. The Russian
Wilderness is 8000 acres of high peaks and isolated, beautiful mountain lakes. The Trin-
ity Alps Wilderness , west of Hwy 3, is one of the area's most lovely regions for hiking
and backcountry camping, and has more than 600 miles of trails that cross passes over its
granite peaks and head along its deep alpine lakes. The Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilder-
ness in the south is less visited, despite its proximity to the Bay Area, and so affords spec-
tacular, secluded backcountry experiences. The Siskiyou Wilderness , closest to the coast,
rises to heights of 7300ft, from where you can see the ocean. An extensive trail system
crisscrosses the wilderness, but it is difficult to make loops.
The Trinity Scenic Byway (Hwy 299) follows the rushing Trinity River to the Pacific
coast and is dotted with lodges, RV parks and blink-and-you'll-miss-'em burgs. There's
river rafting at Willow Creek, 55 miles west of Weaverville. Bigfoot Rafting Company (
530-629-2263; www.bigfootrafting.com ; half/full-day trips per person $69/89) leads guided
trips and also rents rafts and kayaks (from $40 per day).