Hayfork offers a remote Northern California environment
Located among the Klamath Mountains, Hayfork is a tranquil Trinity County community where seclusion is the norm. Many properties come with multiple acres and some offer views of the Klamath Mountains. Residents are close to an abundance of outdoor recreation around the county. However, sale prices remain relatively affordable. “I think it’s a special rural community for people who want to be in the mountains with access to good nature,” says Brookyln Marvin, a local Realtor at Top Properties who’s worked in this region since 2017. “I think one of the reasons the price point isn’t super high is because it’s pretty far. It’s between two major highways in the mountains. It’s kind of out there," Marvin says. "You have to want to live in the mountains if you live there.”
Recreation on land and water are all around
This region’s preserved landscape gives outdoor enthusiasts plenty to explore. “There’s a ton of recreation opportunity for hiking, boating and camping,” Marvin says. A 2-mile loop trail surrounds Hayfork’s Ewing Reservoir, and the lake itself is a place to go fishing. Bigger options, including Lewiston, Ruth and Trinity lakes, are all within 65 miles and open to boating and fishing. Marvin says the region’s Trinity River is a huge attraction, too. The river draws whitewater kayakers and rafters. Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders can take on paths like the 21-mile South Fork National Recreation Trail, roughly 20 miles south within the expansive Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The forest also has several campgrounds, including the Douglas City Campground, 25 miles away. Hayfork Park, in the middle of the community, features a playground and a skate park.
Hayfork holds a diverse selection of properties
Hayfork’s homes dot a series of winding, rustic roads. Many date to the mid-to-late 20th century, but some modern options were built in the 2000s. The inventory offers ranch styles, bungalows, log cabin-inspired houses and some manufactured homes. Spacious lots are ubiquitous, whether 1 acre or 40. “There’s a large variation,” Marvin says. “It’s also a cattle ranching kind of town.” Houses around Hayfork, including manufactured homes, sell for $60,000 to $360,000, depending on the square footage and acreage.
Trinity County Fair is a regional highlight in the summer
Hayfork hosts the Trinity County Fair in July. The fair started in 1921 and features a range of competitions for livestock, arts and crafts, poetry and more. There’s also live music, rides, food and a demolition derby. Marvin says the fair attracts visitors from other communities. “That is a super big deal,” Marvin says. “It’s one of the more fun things that happens in Hayfork throughout the year.”
Route 3 is a hub for restaurants and grocery stores
Hayfork’s main thoroughfare, California State Route 3, gives residents quick access to various businesses. Restaurants on this stretch include Cali Jay’s BBQ, which is full of Bigfoot iconography. Bigfoot’s Western bacon bigfoot burger features a half-pound of brisket. Casa de Castellanos is popular for its Mexican food and fills a distinctly pink building. Ernie’s Department Store is known for its diverse selection of products, from camping gear to cleaning supplies. Locals can pick up foodstuffs at Wiley's Supermarket and Hayfork Discount Groceries.
Hayfork school extracurriculars include successful sports teams
The Mountain Valley Unified School District carries a B-minus grade on Niche. Hayfork Elementary earns a B-plus rating and offers special activities like a free family pancake breakfast, a Halloween parade and a STEAM night. The school covers kindergarten through eighth grade. The C-plus-rated Hayfork High’s boys and girls basketball and girls volleyball teams have recent Northern Section California Interscholastic Federation Div. 7 section championships.
Redding and Red Bluff are within 100 miles
Hayfork is between California state Routes 299 and 36, and Route 3 is a connection to both. The city of Redding is just over 60 miles away using Route 299. The Redding Regional Airport provides direct flights to Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco through United Airlines and to Seattle through Alaska Airlines. Route 36 is a way to reach the city of Red Bluff in roughly 90 miles. Trinity Hospital, a 30-mile trip on Route 3, includes a 24-hour emergency room.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
