Weitchpec, California

Weitchpec (Karuk: Ansáfriik; Yurok: Wechpues, Wech)  is an unincorporated community within the Yurok reservation in Humboldt County, California, United States. It is located 35 mi northeast of Eureka, at an elevation of 361 feet (110 m). The ZIP Code is 95546.

Weitchpec is located in the northwestern part of the state at the confluence of the Klamath and Trinity Rivers, and the junction of State Highways 96 and 169.

History


Temporary names in the 19th century were Durkee's Ferry and Weitchpec Bar) Durkee's Ferry recalls Clark W. Durkee, who operated a ferry at the place in 1851. In 1855, a temporary Federal post called Camp Strowbridge was established at Weitchpec, it was later called Fort Wool. The settlement was first within the bounds of Trinity County, then in 1851 Klamath County and after 1874, Humboldt County. A post office operated at Weitchpec from 1858 to 1860 and from 1891 to 1962.

Today Weitchpec features a small store/gas station owned by the tribe (formerly Pierson's Grocery); the Yurok Tribal Office and Community Center; and Weitchpec Elementary School. As of 2010, evening classes were available in Weitchpec in the Yurok language.

2012 earthquake
A 5.6 earthquake with an epicenter near Weitchpec occurred on February 13, 2012.