South Fork Trinity River
| South Fork Trinity River | |
| River | |
 South Fork Trinity River at the Highway 299 bridge
|
|
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| State | California |
| Regions | Klamath Mountains, Humboldt County, Trinity County |
| Tributaries | |
| - right | East Branch South Fork Trinity River, Hayfork Creek |
| Source | Unnamed spring |
| - location | North Yolla Bolly Mountain, Trinity County |
| - elevation | 5,921 ft (1,805 m) |
| - coordinates | 40°09′24″N 122°59′18″W / 40.15667°N 122.98833°W |
| Mouth | Trinity River |
| - elevation | 446 ft (136 m) |
| - coordinates | 40°53′23″N 122°36′08″W / 40.88972°N 122.60222°WCoordinates: 40°53′23″N 122°36′08″W / 40.88972°N 122.60222°W |
| Length | 92 mi (148 km) |
| Basin | 980 sq mi (2,538 km2) |
| Discharge | for Salyer |
| - average | 1,807 cu ft/s (51 m3/s) |
| - max | 95,400 cu ft/s (2,701 m3/s) |
| - min | 35 cu ft/s (1 m3/s) |
 Map of the Trinity River watershed with the South Fork extending south from the mainstem; watershed highlighted in yellow
|
|
The South Fork Trinity River is the main tributary of the Trinity River, in the northern part of the U.S. state of California. It is part of the Klamath River drainage basin. It flows generally northwest from its source in the Klamath Mountains, 92 miles (148 km) through Humboldt and Trinity Counties, to join the Trinity near Salyer. The main tributaries are Hayfork Creek and the East Branch South Fork Trinity River. The river has no major dams or diversions, and is designated Wild and Scenic for its entire length.
One of the largest undammed river systems in California, the South Fork drains a rugged, remote watershed of 980 square miles (2,500 km2). The large areas of intact habitat are important for several endangered species and rare plants. Historically, the South Fork watershed was known for its prodigious anadromous fish population and dense old-growth forests. During the mid-20th century, the river channel was heavily damaged by major flooding, which was exacerbated by erosion caused by mining, logging and ranching. Decades later the South Fork is still considered in the process of recovery.
The South Fork Trinity River begins as a small spring on the west slope of the Brooks Ridge near North Yolla Bolly Mountain, 4,460 feet (1,360 m) above sea level. From there, it flows briefly west and turns to the north, receiving numerous small tributaries which drain a series of steep, forested valleys in the headwaters. At about 4 miles (6.4 km) from its source, the river is crossed by the Humboldt Trail, then it receives north-flowing Shell Mountain Creek from the left. Shortly downstream, the 10-mile (16 km) long East Branch South Fork Trinity River joins from the right. Shortly afterwards, it receives Happy Camp Creek from the left and Smoky Creek from the right.
...
Wikipedia