Things to Do

Willow Creek China Flat Museum

For many people, a visit to the Willow Creek China Flat Museum is the reason they come to town. There are exhibits on the town’s origins, the logging industry, the 1964 Christmas Flood, and of course, Bigfoot. A large collection of original artifacts from Bigfoot sightings plus an excellent gift shop make visiting the museum a must-see item on everyone’s list.

The museum is also the home of the Willow Creek Visitors’ Center.
Hours of Operation:
May 6-end of Sept.
Wed – Sun 10AM-4PM
Month of Oct:
Fri-Sun 12PM-4PM

Rafting

With crystal clear waters, challenging rapids, and stunning views of nature, Willow Creek offers the ultimate adventure for rafting enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time rafter, our six rivers provide an exhilarating experience in the California sunshine.

• Bigfoot Rafting
• Six River Rafting

Parks

Community Commons

Located right in town beside the Willow Creek China Flat Museum, this is an ideal place to come and picnic, use the restroom, pick up some maps and walk around town.

Creekside Park

This park has a toddler playground, a small picnic and barbecue area, and an 18 hole Disc Golf Course. There is access to walk along Willow Creek.

No swimming in the creek!

Veterans Park

This is a 17 acre complex that consists of one softball field, one soccer/utility field, picnic area, playground, volleyball area, tennis court, and two horseshoe pits.  Lots of parking plus bathrooms.

Trinity River

Big Rock

This day use area is 1/4 mile from town on Highway 96. There is plenty of parking, toilets and shaded picnic tables. This was an old airplane runway so there is a long area to walk your dog or stretch your legs.

There is river access for people who fish and non-motorized boats who want to float on the river plus shallow areas for swimming and paddling. There is a gravel bar with salmon hole surrounding Big Rock, numerous riffles and a tailout. Complex water fishable from the bank or by wading.

Willow Creek Kimtu

Kimtu Beach

Kimtu Beach is a sandy area along the bank of the Trinity River. This is a popular swimming and non-motorized boating area with locals and visitors alike. There are parking and toilets.

For fishing, this area has deep holes and generally slower water with a nice run upstream. Lure and bait best while wading or fishing from clear gravel bar. Gate to launch site is closed for the summer season.

Day use fees apply in summer.

Hiking

Hiking Safety Tips

  • Do NOT leave any valuables in your car.
  • Bring lots of water during the hot summer months.
  • Let someone know where you are hiking and what your expected return time is.
  • Carry bear spray and whistle. Bear spray should be readily accessible.

Lower Trinity Ranger Station, Six Rivers National Forest

Visit the Lower Trinity Ranger Station, Six Rivers National Forest for up-to-date information on all hikes.

South Fork of the Trinity River

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.
Trail is steep and very narrow along bluff 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!

Camping

East Fork

This campground is located 6 miles west of Willow Creek on Hwy 299. Closed in winter.

Driving west out of town on 299 about 5.8 miles, it is located on the left hand side. It is safer to continue driving over the bridge and turn in the big clearing on the right. You can park in the clearing and cross the road and bridge carefully or drive back to the campground entrance.

The day use area is open in summer but the entrance is closed in winter. There are vault toilets and trash cans open in summer. There is a stream that runs through the campsite area.

There is a paved fire road that winds uphill. You can go up this road to the summit.  No mud or poison
oak on the road, so it is nice for winter walk.
Nice trail for a family hike, you can go as far as people are comfortable walking and then turn back.

Boise Creek

This campground is located 1.5 miles west of Willow Creek on Hwy 299. Closed in winter.

Driving west out of town on 299 about 1.5 miles, it is located on the right hand side.

The day use area is open in summer but the entrance is closed in winter. There are vault toilets and trash cans open in summer.

The trail here is a short loop trail (less than a mile) and goes to an area where you can see the creek.

Horse Linto

Take Country Club Dr. To Patterson Rd which turns into to Route 4 as you drive north into the woods. At about 4.5 miles, there is a fork in the road with Route 4 continuing to the right and Horse Linto directly ahead. It is signposted at this point. Walk or drive to the Horse Linto Campground. There are trails that branch off from the campground.