Hawkins Bar River Access serves as a put-in point for whitewater rafting and paddling on the Trinity River, featuring a gravel road descent to a beach area near the town sign.

This Class II section is popular for inflatable kayak trips and offers 7-9 miles of scenic float with multiple Class I-II rapids; access is available year-round via California State Route 299, though the area is most active during summer months (June-September) when water flows are optimal.