One of the treasures of northern California is the Tree of Heaven Campground & Nature Trail, located fifteen minutes from Interstate 5 on Highway 96. On the banks of the Klamath River at an elevation of 2,100 feet, Tree of Heaven offers camping, day use, a nature trail, and river access. Find details on this campground at the US Forest Service website.
Highway 96 along the Klamath River is part of the State of Jefferson Scenic Byway. Numerous references to this historical attempt to create a 49th state out of areas of northern California and southern Oregon can be noted in the area. The rich Klamath River is home to a variety of wildlife both in and out of the water.
The Tree of Heaven Interpretive Trail is a paved, 1/4 mile walk along the riverside. Sponsored by the USForest Service, the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Program, and the International Partners in Flight Program, the trail provides information on common neotropical migratory bird species found along the Klamath River.
This lovely walk and camping and picnic area, just a few minutes from the freeway, is a wonderful destination, or a pleasant break in a day's travels. There is a large day use area with picnic tables, horseshoe pits and volleyball. There is no charge for the day use area. The paved trail, clean restrooms, and shaded lawn areas allow significant access for all individuals, especially for handicapped travlers.
The 1/4 mile long Birding Trail begins just next to the day use parking area, and winds through willows and wildflowers along the waterside. Bring your binoculars for great bird viewing opportunities. For more information on the migratory and local birds you may see, including Siskiyou County species lists, see our Birding pages.
There are 20 beautiful campsites at Tree of Heaven Campground, with shaded camp sites just steps away from the river and overnight camping. It is, perhaps, one of the most beautiful of campgrounds!
This site has great river access, and is the starting point for many rafting and kayak adventures. The boat launch is usable by persons with disabilities. The Gottville river access, 6 miles down river (a convenient take-out point after a day on the river) has the same accessibility. The Klamath River has year round trout and seasonal steelhead and salmon fishing as well.
The campground takes its name from the Tree-of-Heaven tree (Ailanthus altissima) (see http://www.botanical.com for details on this plant.) In the Gold Rush days, Chinese miners farmed this flatland and sold vegetables to area miners. They imported the beautiful deciduous trees because of its medicinal and cultural importance...it reminded them of their homeland. It is considered an invasive species (see the ISI pages at U.C.Davis) in some California areas. The plant is robust, adapts well to marginal conditions, and is especially strong as a filter plant in urban settings for polluted atmosphere.
For more information contact:
Scott River Ranger District
11263 N. Highway 3
Fort Jones, CA 96032-9702
(530) 468-5351
TDD (530) 468-2783
This month's hike and photos by Kim Solga, web manager for this site and hiking enthusiast!