By Melissa Wynn
A breeze of ancient history blows across the Great Basin, whispering the story of Native Americans from thousands of years ago. These ancient peoples left their mark, carved in stone, in the form of picture petroglyphs at the Belfast and Willow Creek area between Susanville and Litchfield Ca. From Litchfield, turn West on Center and travel about four miles and turn North on Belfast Road. Belfast Road is a gravel road and is maintained only to a certain point during the winter months. The petroglyph parking area is about four miles from the pavement. Just after the one lane bridge that crosses Willow Creek there is a deceptive “No Trespassing” sign. This sign pertains to the private land that borders Belfast Road but NOT to the road itself. Easement has been granted by the property owner to access the petroglyph site, so drive on by that sign and you will soon find the turn out and kiosk announcing the site. A visible trail leads to the large pile of lava rock that houses the ancient markings. Further down the trail you will find some great fishing, hunting and hiking ground along Willow Creek. Take a trip back in time, visit Belfast Petroglyphs and see what the ancestors of the Maidu, Paiute and Pit River tribes left behind.
