Big Rock Day Use Area: Willow Creek California

SPEND YOUR DAY ON THE TRINITY RIVER 

Big fun at Big Rock on a warm summer day. We visited the Big Rock day use area in Willow Creek California on a perfect summer day. At an elevation of approximately 600 feet / 182 meters, the Trinity River is approximately 1/4 mile up Highway 96 from the town of Willow Creek at the Highway 299 intersection. 

Although we went on a week day, we could see how this area would be a favorite cooling off spot for those traveling through or nearby campers who don’t have immediate access to the river. The parking area was quite large, but i’m sure it fills up fast on warm weekends and during popular summer travel months. Once we parked it was just a short walk down a boat ramp for non motorized boats. 

A Fun And Relaxing Day  

We did see a fair number of people in rafts, stand up paddle boards and various other flotation devices. We chose to grab our chairs and plant them right in the river near one of the few gravel bars with water all around. The water flow was swift, but has calmed down significantly since our massive winter rains. We were quite surprised to find the water to be crystal clear and the temperature very inviting. There are areas to swing and jump off rocks into deep pools of slow moving water.

Amenities

• Covered day use picnic area with a few tables.

• Two vault toilets.

Parking

Although we arrived on a Monday after most people had heading home from the weekend, the parking lot appeared to be able to handle a large attendance.

Fees

• There are no day use fees.

Nearby Camping

• East Fork.
• Boise Creek. See my review.
• Horse Linto. 

Local Things To See And Do

While you’re in the area you might want to visit the Willow Creek China Flat Museum. Apparently many people come to the area specifically to visit the museum. You will find exhibits on the origin of the town, the logging industry, the 1964 Christmas Flood, and the infamous…. Bigfoot! They also offer a big collection of original artifacts from Bigfoot sightings. If you go, let me know what you think. 

If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous, stop into the Willow Creek Visitors Center and ask about river rafting opportunities with Bigfoot Rafting or Six Rivers Rafting. 

There are also a couple of community parks with areas for some fun activities and kids to stretch their legs. Creekside Park consists of a toddler playground, a small picnic and barbecue area, and the 18 hole Chinook Salmon Disc Golf Course. Veterans Park is a large complex consisting of a softball field, soccer field, picnic area, playground, volleyball area, tennis court, and a couple horseshoe pits. 

If hiking is your preferred activity just head Head east on 299 for 4.3 miles. Turn right on South Fork Rd. Continue 9.2 miles to where the pavement ends (this is the end of the county road). Continue south on Forest Rd. 5N03 for another 2.9 miles. The unpaved portion can be rutted after winter rains. There is a parking area at the trail head.
The trail is steep and very narrow at times. It crosses some streams which may be impassable in winter. This hike is very scenic in summer. Check with the ranger on whether the trail is clear for summer use as downed trees and poison oak can make it a tough hike! Have Fun. 

If you are a mountain biker then check out the Groves Prairie Trail Loop trail which is at a dispersed recreation site, follows meadows and small mountain creek. Try the All Trails app to locate this site.

Cell Signal

• T-Mobile no signal

Location

Highway 96 P.O. Box 68
Willow Creek, CA 95573-

Have Fun, Be Safe and let me know how you liked it.

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