National Forest Wilderness In California
National forests in California range from woodlands in the north to desert mountains in the south. This wilderness guide contains brief descriptions of wilderness areas, permit information, and other information to help you plan your next trip.
E-mail

The following descriptions are not detailed, but will give you some idea of what each wilderness area has to offer. Scroll down the page or go to the wilderness area you wish information on.

15,900 acres
Cleveland National Forest
Palomar Ranger District
1634 Black Canyon Road
Ramona, CA 92065
(619) 788-0250

Chaparral at lower elevations grading to oak, pine and fir forest at high elevations. Elevations range from 1,700 to 5,000 feet. Summer temperatures exceed 100 F. Occasional snow in winter. Best travel winter through spring. Wood fires prohibited, portable stoves permitted. Water scarce, no overnight use of pack or saddle stock. Groups limited to 15 people. Visitor permits required. 25 miles of trail.

230,300 acres
(South side entry) Sierra National Forest
Pineridge Ranger District
P. O. Box 300
Shaver Lake, CA 93664
(209) 841-3311

(West side Entry) Sierra National Forest
Minarets Ranger District
North Fork, CA 93643
(209) 877-2218

(East side Entry) Inyo National Forest
Mammoth Ranger District
P. O. Box 148
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
(619) 934-2505

Mono Lake Ranger District
P. O. Box 429
Lee Vining, CA 93541
(619) 647-6525

Formerly the Minarets Wilderness, the Ansel Adams was renamed in 1984 to honor the famous photographer and environmentalist. Rugged area that includes the high country east of the Sierra crest. Includes the North Fork, Middle Fork, and lower South Fork San Joaquin River; spectacular alpine scenery, deep granite-walled gorges. Lower elevations have scattered benches and small plateaus. Perennial streams and several lakes. Variety of wildlife and fish; summer range for deer. Elevations 7,000 to 14,000 feet central part has many lakes. Pacific Crest and John Muir trails cross the area. This area is heavily used. Portable stoves recommended; wood fires are prohibited in some areas. Firewood scarce above 10,000 feet elevation. Topo maps are available for $2.00. Quota system in effect the last Friday in June through September 15. Visitor permits are required and reservations are advisable. Reservations $3.00 per person.

10,700 acres
Inyo National Forest
White Mountain Ranger District
798 North Main
Bishop, CA 93514
(619) 873-4207

Located on the eastern slope of the White Mountains, the wilderness lies entirely within Nevada. Characterized by extremely steep slopes dissected by narrow canyons. Boundary Peak is the highest point in Nevada at 13,140 elevation. Vegetation mostly pinon and juniper at lower elevations, various riparian species in canyon bottoms, scattered bristlecone pines at higher elevations. Trail- less wilderness with high degree of solitude.

21,000 acres
Plumas National Forest
P. O. Box 11500
159 Lawrence Street
Quincy, CA 95971
(916) 283-2050

The wilderness has a broad diversity of vegetation and topography. A few small lakes and ponds are located throughout the area. Ground cover varies from brush fields to conifers, oaks and pure stands of red fir. Bare rock slopes, cliffs, quaking bogs and small mountain meadows are found at the higher elevations. Elevations range from 2,000 feet in the Feather River Canyon to 7,017 feet at Spanish Peak. The top of the escarpment, which the Pacific Crest Trail crosses, commands a spectacular view of the forest to the east and north. Mount Lassen is visible on clear days.

20,500 acres
Lassen National Forest
55 S. Sacramento Street
Susanville, CA 96130
(916) 257-2151

Gently rolling forested plateau; white and red fir on slopes and lodgepole pine on flats. Many lakes stocked with fish. Most use around Triangle, Eleanor, Gem, Jewel and Emerald lakes. Lakes frozen and snow on the ground in June most years. Summer thunderstorms common. Best travel mid-June through September. Limited forage. Mosquitoes a problem first part of summer. Blacktail deer hunting area. Ducks nest near small lakes.

158,900 acres
(West side entry) Stanislaus National Forest
19777 Greenley Road
Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 532-3671

Summit Ranger District
#1 Pinecrest Lake Road
Pinecrest, CA 95364
(209) 965-3434

(East side entry) Toiyabe National Forest
Carson Ranger District
1536 South Carson
Carson City, NV 89701

Varied topography; 12 prominent peaks exceed 12,000 feet elevation and many more exceed 9,000 feet. Rugged granite peaks and boulders, steep ridges and narrow valleys are typical. Long valleys with meadows also are common. Scattered forests of sugar, Jeffrey, lodgepole and western white pine, and red and white firs. Lakes and perennial streams including the headwaters of the East Fork Carson, Clark Fork Stanislaus, and Mokelumne Rivers. Visitor permits required May 25 through September 15.

11,000 acres
Shasta-Trinity National Forests
Mt. Shasta Ranger District
204 W. Alma
Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
(916) 926-4511

Spectacular sheer granite cliffs and spires along high east-west ridge. Five small lakes; numerous streams, some spring fed. Elevations 2,300 to 7,200 feet. Large brush fields with scattered mixed conifers in draws. Large areas of unvegetated outcrops and bare ground. Pacific Crest Trail bisects the area in the east-west direction. Area adjoins Castle Crags State Park.

8,200 acres
(North side entry) Shasta-Trinity National Forests
Hayfork Ranger District
P. O. Box 159
Hayfork, CA 96041
(916) 628-5227

(South side entry) Shasta-Trinity National Forests
Yolla Bolla Ranger District
Platina, CA 96076
(916) 352-4211

Chanchelulla Peak is the highest point at 6,400 feet elevations. Up to 70 percent slopes in some areas. Mostly brush fields on southern slopes and mixed conifers on north slopes.

12,800 acres
San Bernardino National Forest
Cajon Ranger District
Star Route Fontana, CA 92335
(714) 887-2576

Angeles National Forest
Mt. Baldy Ranger District
110 N. Wabash Avenue
Glendora, CA 91740
(818) 335-2251

Rough terrain, sharp peaks and steep mountain sides. Elevations 5,000 to 9,000 feet. Wood fires permitted only at designated spots; portable stoves recommended. Water is scarce; heavy use of canyon bottoms where water is available. Party limit 15 people. Visitor permit required. Quotas for all travel zones.

63,500 acres
(East side entry) Lake Tahoe Basin
870 Emerald Bay Road
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(916) 573-2600

(West side entry) El Dorado National Forest Visitor Center
3070 Camino Heights Drive
Camino, CA 95709
(916) 644-6048

Many small streams, about 130 lakes. Elevations from 6,500 to over 10,000 feet. Alpine timber and flora. Primary use season June through September. Snowpacks sometimes close high passes until July. Heavy use on trails from Wrights, Echo, Fallen Leaf and Eagle Falls trailheads. Lighter use in northwest portions of the wilderness. Carry in feed to packstock. Visitor permits required year round. 700 person limit on overnight use June 15 through Labor Day, but campers may reserve permits up to 60 days in advance for that period. Groups limited to 15 persons. No open wood fires, but portable stoves allowed.

68,000 acres
Los Padres National Forest
6144 Calle Real
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 683-6711

Extremely rugged area with numerous drainages, located about 12 miles from Santa Barbara. Elevation ranges from 3,750 in the eats along the Cuyama Rim to 6,541 feet at Maldulce Peak. Vegetation is mostly chaparral with scattered pine at higher elevations. A number of creeks flow year long in the upper reaches. Prominent canyons along Indian, Mono, Alamar, Don Victor and Santa Barbara creeks. Area has 8 trails totaling 49 miles and 5 trail camps. Fire trails and firebreaks exist, but the area has retained a natural appearance. Wildlife species include bear, deer, mountain lions, bobcats and coyotes. Recreation use mainly is hiking, fishing and hunting in season.

30,000 acres
(North side entry) Sierra National Forest
Pineridge Ranger District
P. O. Box 300
Shaver Lake, CA 93664
(209) 841-3311

(South side entry) Sierra National Forest
Kings River Ranger District
Trimmer Route
Sanger, CA 93657
(209) 841-3404 (June-October)
(209) 855-8321 (October-June)

Area is on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada southeast of Huntington Lake and northwest of Courtwright Reservoir. Separated from the John Muir Wilderness by the Ershim/Dusy Off-Highway Vehicle Route. Moderately sloping terrain with high peaks near Dinkey Lakes. Vegetation includes stands of white fir, red fir and Jeffrey pine. Interspersed mountain meadows and barren rocky slopes. Most of the area is above 8,000 feet elevation and the highest point is the Three Sisters Peak at 10,619 feet. Visitor permit required.

93,900 acres
Sequoia National Forest
Cannell Meadow Ranger District
P. O. Box 6
Kernville, CA 83238
(619) 376-3781

In 1984, 32,000 acres were added to the northern part of this area. Northern part has a large basin surrounded by rock formations. Vegetation includes scattered Jeffrey pine, rolling terrain with sagebrush, mixed conifer forests, and wet meadows. Southern part is open, semiarid area with picturesque granite domes and rock outcrops. Vegetation is sparse. Elevations 3,000 to 9,000 feet. Lightly used area; trail access in northern park, more difficult access in southern part. Portable stove recommended. Best travel early in summer and fall.

112,300 acres
Stanislaus National Forest
19777 Greenley Road
Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 532-3671

Stanislaus National Forest
Summit Ranger District
#1 Pinecrest Lake Road
Pinecrest, CA 95364
(209) 965-3434

Broad expanses of glaciated granite, towering lava-capped peaks. Numerous alpine lakes and deep granite-walled canyons. Elevations 6,000 to 12,000 feet. Thunderstorms common in summer. Snow-free from July through September. Firewood scarce, no wood fires permitted above 9,000 feet elevation. Forage is limited. Heavy use areas are Kennedy, Emigrant, Deer, Wood and Buck lakes; and trails at Kennedy Meadows, Gianelli, Crabtree, and Bell Meadow. Groups limited to 15 people. Topo map available from the forest or regional office for $4.00. Visitor permit required May 25 through September 15.

303,300 acres
(north and east side entry) Inyo National Forest
Mt. Whitney Ranger District
P. O. Box 8
Lone Pine, CA 93545
(760) 876-6200

(west side entry) Sequoia National Forest
Cannell Meadow Ranger District
P. O Box 6
Kernville, CA 93238
(760) 376-3781

Western part is a large drainage basin surrounded by high, rugged mountains. Eastern part is an extension of Kern Plateau. Varied wildlife and vegetation; extensive forest and meadows. Best travel June through October. Pacific Crest Trail runs through the area. Summer thunderstorms. Water limited in dry periods. Firewood scarce above 10,000 feet. Stock forage plentiful; but pack in feed before July 1. Good area for novice backpackers and stock users. Heavy use near Burnt Corral crossing of little Kern, Little Kern Bridge, Forks of the Kern, Coyote Lakes, Maggie Lakes, Rattlesnake trail and Kern Flat Trail. Special DFG fishing rules east of Kern River. Wilderness topo maps (combined Golden Trout / South Sierra) are available for $2.00. Visitor permits are required. Quota for travel in Cottonwood lakes last Friday in June through September 15 and for travel over Cottonwood Pass to Sequoia National Park last Friday in June through September 15.

25,700 acres
Tahoe National Forest
Highway 49 and Coyote St.
Nevada City, CA 95959
(916) 265-4531

Scenic and varied area with forests, meadows and exposed rock. Located at the headwaters of the American River. Terrain varies from granite cliffs to glaciated valleys and dissected slopes. Several major streams. Southern part is forested with mixed conifer; red fir and lodgepole pine at higher elevations, and deciduous and evergreen woodlands further down. Pacific Crest Trail crosses this area. Light use except for Five Lakes Basin, which receives heavy use.

8,000 acres
Cleveland National Forest
Descanso Ranger District
3348 Alpine Blvd.
Alpine, CA 91901
619-445-6235

Mountainous terrain with steep slopes of 10 to 120 percent. Elevations range from 1,600 feet at Barrett Reservoir to 3,681 feet southwest of Bronco Flats. Granite boulders and rock outcrops are common. Vegetation is chaparral and coastal sage except for areas along Salazar and Boneyard Canyon drainages. Pacific Crest Trail passes east of the area. Visitor permit required to enter the area. Groups limited to 15 per permit. No campfires, hibachi's or BBQ's allowed; propane stove use permitted.

48,600 acres
(South side entry) Inyo National Forest
Mono Lake Ranger District
P. O. Box 10
Lee Vining, CA 93541

(East side entry) Toiyabe National Forest
Bridgeport Ranger District
P. O. Box 595
Bridgeport, CA 93517
(619) 932-7070

Extremely rugged area. Elevations 8,000 to over 12,000 feet. Alpines lakes and meadows, little timber. Rainbow, brook and golden trout. Best travel July - September. Rain, blizzards, extreme cold and strong winds can occur any season. Firewood scarce; no wood fires in 20 Lakes Basin. Pack in stock feed. Heavy use in 20 Lakes Basin from Saddlebag Lake; least use in norther part of area. Topo map available for $3.00, including postage and tax. Visitor permits required. Quote on travel into Yosemite National Park.

42,900 acres
Lassen National Forest
55 S. Sacramento Street
Susanville, CA 96130
(916) 257-2151

Area includes Mill Creek, Deer Creek and the ancestral home of Ishi, the last member of the Yahi Yana Indian Tribe. Foothills vegetation annual grasslands and oak; chaparral and digger pine on the rugged canyons and plateaus. Areas near streams at higher elevation are forested with ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. Rugger, remote, isolated area. Mild climate conducive to nearly year-round use. Mill Creek supports steelhead trout and spring runs of Chinook salmon, also common trout. Golden eagles, black- tailed deer and other wildlife are common.

10,300 acres
Sequoia National Forest
Hume Lake Ranger District
36273 E. Kings Canyon Road
Dunlap, CA 93621
(209) 338-2251

About 80 miles east of Fresno in the central Sierra Nevada. Diverse terrain. Jennie and Weaver lakes, smaller lakes, many rock outcrops and three mountain peaks. Vegetation includes stands of red fir, mixed conifers and meadows.

581,000 acres
(West side entry) Sierra National Forest
Pineridge Ranger District
P. O. Box 300
Shaver Lake, CA 93664
(209) 841-3311

(East side entry) Inyo National Forest
Mammoth Ranger District
P. O. Box 148
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Inyo National Forest
White Mountain Ranger District
798 Main Street
Bishop, CA 93514

Inyo National Forest
Mount Whitney Ranger District
P. O. Box 8
Lone Pine, CA 93545
(619) 876-5542

The largest wilderness in California; named after the prominent naturalist and environmentalist. Located in the prime central Sierra Nevada, it is the most-visited wilderness in the state. Snow-capped mountains, hundreds of alpine lakes and streams. Elevations from 4,000 to more than 14,000 feet. John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails traverse the area. Summer thunderstorms common, may snow any month. Firewood scarce above 9,000 feet, stock feed limited. Topo maps available (includes all of John Muir, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon Wilderness) for $4.00. Permits required. quotas in effect for entire Sierra National Forest portion from last Friday in June through September 15. Also in effect on trails into Sequoia-Kings Canyon NP and for overnight travel on eastside trails on the Inyo National Forest from last Friday in June through September 15. Reservations advised; reservation fee $3.00 per person.

22,700 acres
Sierra National Forest
Pineridge Ranger District
P. O. Box 300
Shaver Lake, CA 93664

Area lies immediately north of Huntington Lake. Named after Kaiser Ridge, which divides the area into two distinctly different regions. Elevations 7,000 to more than 10,000 feet. Southern part rises gradually from red fir and Jeffrey pine forests to the alpine zone along Kaiser Ridge. The northern part contains 18 small lakes and is heavily used. The northwest part is steeper, more rugged and less used. Visitor permit required.

20,000 acres
Los Padres National Forest
6144 Calle Real
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 683-6711

Located in the La Panza Mountain Range about 20 miles west of San Luis Obispo. Elevations range from 1,600 feet to 4,063 feet at Machesna Mountain. American Canyon is the major drainage. Three- fourths of the area is chaparral brushland, 10% pine stands, oak- grassland for the rest. High scenic values, notably at higher elevations. part of the area is designated critical habitat for the California condor. Other wildlife includes deer, mountain lions and black bear.

242,500 acres
Klamath National Forest
1312 Fairlane Road
Yreka, CA 96097
(916) 842-6131

Forested area with many meadows; easily traveled. 89 lakes stocked with trout; large streams have steelhead trout and salmon. Bear, deer and other wildlife plentiful. Heavy use at Sky High, Campbell Cliff, Summit, Paradise and Ukonom lakes. Stock feed must be carried in before July 1. Topo map available from the forest or regional office for $2.00.

100,600 acres
(North side entry) Eldorado National Forest
3070 Camino Heights Drive
Camino, CA 95709
(916) 644-6048

(South side entry) Stanislaus National Forest
Calaveras Ranger Station
Highway 4, P. O. Box 500
Hathaway Pines, CA 95233
(209) 795-2381

(East side entry) Toiyabe National Forest
Carson Ranger District
1536 S. Carson
Carson City, NV 59701
(702) 882-2766

Mokelumne River bisects this rugger remote area. Elevations from 4,000 feet in the west to 10,000 feet in the east. Shallow valleys north of Mokelumne Peak have many small lakes. Mokelumne River Canyon extremely rugged. Scattered timber stands; firewood scarce in the Carson Pass Rout Top portion of the wilderness. No wood fires in the area from Carson Pass to Kirkwood Ski Area including Frog, Winnemucca, Rout Top, Fourth of July and Emigrant lakes. Dogs must be on leashes. Pacific Crest Trail and Emigrant Summit National Trail cross the area. Most use at Fourth of July Lake and Upper Summit City Creek south to Camp Irene, and along Mokelumne River at Blue Hole. Water may be scarce late in summer; stock feed must be carried in. Fishing good in Mokelumne River, but poison oak plentiful along its banks. Visitor permits required May 25 through September 15.

44,900 acres
Sequoia National Forest
Hume Lake Ranger District
36273 E. Kings Canyon Road

Dunlap, CA 93621
(209) 338-2251

Formerly High Sierra Primitive Area, enlarged and remaned in 1984. Rugged area with high steep ridges and deep canyons. Elevations range from 2,300 feet to 11,077 feet at Hogback Peak. Extremely scenic. Vegetation includes chaparral and oak woodland at lower elevations, and pine, mixed conifers and giant sequoia stands at higher elevations. Difficult access to most of the area. No trails in Sierra National Forest portion.

28,000 acres
(East-West entry) Toiyabe National Forest
Carson Ranger District
1536 S. Carson
Carson City, NV 59701
(702) 882-2766

(South entry) Lake Tahoe Basin
870 Emerald Bay Road
S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(916) 573-2600

Located northeast of Lake Tahoe; offers outstanding views of Tahoe and the Great Basin areas above Reno, NV. Mostly steep land, with a mixed conifer-red fir forest, numerous mountain meadows and a few small lakes. Elevations from 6,000 feet to over 10,000 feet. Access through 7 trailheads, most located off the Mount Rose Highway between Reno and Tahoe. Portable stoves encouraged. Some areas, such as the trail to Mount Rose, receive heavy use, but most areas receive little to moderate use. The area generally is accessible June through October.

37,700 acres
(West side entry) Shasta-Trinity National Forests
Mt. Shasta Ranger District
204 W. Alma
Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
(916) 926-4511

This area surrounds Mt. Shasta. Rugged terrain with steep, highly dissected slopes. Glaciers and waterfalls, spectacular views. Elevations range from 4,300 to 14,000 feet. Much of the area is above the timberline. Vegetation includes alpine and subalpine species; mixed red fir and fir and brushfields on lower slopes. No established trails up the mountain. Snow covered most of the year. Hikers normally need crampons and an ice axe.

8,100 acres
Six Rivers National Forest
500 - 5th Street
Eureka, CA 95501
(707) 442-2721

Located within the North Fork of the Eel River watershed. Steep, rugged terrain. South-facing slopes covered with grass, manzanita and scrub oak; some Douglas fir, ponderosa pine and incense cedar on north-facing slopes. Area provides winter range for blacktail deer; fall hunting is popular. River has salmon and steelhead.

13,400 acres
Cleveland National Forest
Descanso Ranger District
3348 Alpine Boulevard
Alpine, CA 91901
(619) 445-6235

Gently sloping area ranging from 2,000 feet elevation in the south to 4,000 feet in the north. Pine Creek and its numerous tributaries drain the area north to south. All streams are dry for parts of the year. Vegetation is almost entirely chamise chaparral and scrub oak with riparian and woodland vegetation in stream bottoms and benches. Rainbow trout in Pine Creek. Wildlife includes deer, mountain lion, coyote, gray fox, hawks, owls and reptiles. Several trails provide access to the area. Groups limited to 15 people per permit. Wood fires, hibachi's and BBQ's prohibited; propane stoves permitted.

16,150 acres
(South side entry) Klamath National Forest
1312 Fairlane Road
Yreka, CA 96097
(916) 842-6131

(Coast Highway) Siskiyou National Forest
Illinois Valley Ranger District
26568 Redwood Highway
Cave Junction, OR 97523
(503) 592-2812

I-5 Rogue River National Forest
Applegate Ranger District
6941 Upper Applegate Road
Jacksonville, OR 97530
(503) 899-2812

Straddles California-Oregon border in the Siskiyou Mountains from Red Buttes in the east to Sucker Creek Gap in the west. Meadows, brush fields, dense forest and rock land. Diverse landforms provide outstanding scenic values; highly dissected steep slopes, high erosion and unstable soils. Deer, bear, bobcat and other wildlife abundant. Access to area mainly through Oregon.

12,000 acres
Klamath National Forest
1312 Fairlane Road
Yreka, CA 96097
(916) 842-6131

Steep rugged slopes and ridges with broad, U-shaped glaciated valleys. Meadows, rock pinnacles, bluffs and alpine lakes in cirque basins are common. Great variety of pine, spruce and fir, especially in Sugar Creek area. Deer, black bear and other wildlife abundant. Rainbow, brook and brown trout in streams.

36,100 acres
Angeles National Forest
701 North Santa Anita Avenue
Arcadia, CA 91005
(818) 574-5200

Rough, rugged terrain covered with chaparral below 5,000 feet elevation; mixed pine and fir on ridgetops at higher elevations. Elevations range from 1,800 to 8,200 feet. Good fishing. No wood fires permitted; high fire danger all year. Portable stoves permitted.

58,700 acres
San Bernardino National Forest
San Gorgonio Ranger District
Mill Creek Station Rt.1, P. O. Box 264
Mentone, CA 92359
(714) 794-2123

In the summit region of the San Gorgonio Mountain Range; well timbered on northern slopes, small meadows and two small lakes. Desert to alpine flora and fauna. Very rough, rugged country; water scarce. Elevations 7,000 to 11,499 feet. Groups limited to 15 people. Wood fires allowed only at designated sites. Wood fires prohibited in South Fork Travel Zone. portable stoves recommended. Quotas for all travel zones. Camping on summit of San Gorgonio Mountain limited to 5 permits per day.

33,400 acres
San Bernardino National Forest
San Jacinto Ranger District
Idyllwild Ranger Station
P. O. Box 518
Idyllwild, CA 92349
(714) 659-2117

Lies on either side of San Jacinto State Wilderness in rugged mountain forest land. Elevations 6,000 to 10,000 feet, desert to alpine flora/fauna. Excellent rock climbing. Wood fires allowed only at designated areas; portable stoves advised. Groups limited to 15 people. Visitor permits required. Entry quotas for all travel zones and for overnight camping.

39,700 acres
Cleveland National Forest
Trabuco Ranger District
1147 East Sixth Street
Corona, CA 91719
(714) 736-2811

In the mountain south of Highway 74 between Camp Pendleton and Lake Elsinore. Moderate to steep terrain. Chaparral on slopes, riparian vegetation in stream channels and oak woodland at lover elevations. Accessible by several routes off Highway 74 and by truck trails. Some access routes may be closed in wet weather. Permits required year round. Best times to visit are spring and fall. Wood fires prohibited; portable stoves permitted.

151,200 acres
Los Padres National Forest
Santa Lucia Ranger District
1616 N. Carlotti Dr.
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 925-9538

Mountainous areas in the San Rafael Mountains north of Santa Barbara. 125 miles of trail; elevations 1,166 to 6,800 feet. Severe fire hazard. Wood fires allowed only in designated areas; portable stoves permitted. Two-thirds of the area is closed July 1 through November 15 due to fire danger; best time to travel is spring.

21,700 acres
Los Padres National Forest
Santa Lucia Ranger District
1616 North Carlotti Dr.
Santa Lucia, CA 93454
(805) 925-9538

East of San Luis Obispo in Lopez Canyon. Elevations near 800 feet near Lopez Reservoir to 3,000 feet at Hi Mountain Lookout. Wood fires permitted only at designated locations; portable stoves advised.

19,800 acres
San Bernardino National Forest
144 N. Mt. View Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92408
(714) 383-5588

In Santa Rosa Mountains. Rugged, boulder strewn, highly eroded canyons and washes; valleys, steep cliffs. Vegetation ranges from desert agave, ocotillo and creosote to mountain pinon pine and juniper. Unique plants and desert riparian ecosystems. High scenic values. Wildlife includes bighorn sheep. U.C. Deep Canyon Desert Research Station is north of the area. Surrounding land managed by Bureau of Land Management.

42,400 acres
(East side entry) Angeles National Forest
Mt Baldy Ranger District
(818) 335-2251

(West side entry) San Bernardino National Forest
114 N. Mt. View Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92408
(714) 383-5588

Extremely rugged terrain; Mt. Baldy, at 10,064 feel elevation, the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains; Mt. Baden Powell at 9,399 feet. East Fork of the San Gabriel River, Prairie Fork
and Upper Lytle Creek flow in the area. Vegetation includes chaparral, mountain forest and southern mixed evergreen forest. Wildlife include Nelson bighorn sheep, deer, coyote, bear and mountain lion. Visitor permits required.

153,000 acres
(North side entry) Siskiyou National Forest
Illinois Valley Ranger District
26568 Redwood Highway
Cave Junction, OR 97523
(503) 592-2812

(East side entry) Klamath National Forest
1312 Fairlane Road
Yreka, CA 96097
(916) 842-6131

(West side entry) Six Rivers National Forest
500 - 5th Street
Eureka, CA 95501
(707) 442-2721

Most use at Clear Lake, Pine Creek Basin, Patterson Lake and Summit Trail. Best travel time July to Mid-October. Severe weather can occur in any month. Forage limited; stock feed advisable. Cross country travel almost impossible due to dense vegetation. Perennial streams include Clear Creek, Upper South Fork Smith River, and headwaters of the East Fork Illinois River. Complex plant communities including brush, glades, wet meadows and forests of Douglas fir, ponderosa and sugar pines, Port Orford cedar, and mixed hardwoods. Upper South Fork Smith River, a designated Wild and Scenic river, and the South Kelsey National Recreation Trail are in the northern part of the area. The Oregon National Monument is north of the area. Part of the Halkau District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is near Blue Creek in the southern part.

37,000 acres
(West side entry) Mendocino National Forest
Upper Lake Ranger District
Middlecreek Road,
P. O. Box 96
Upper Lake, CA 95485
(707) 275-2361

(East side entry) Stonyford Ranger District
Stites Lodoga Road
Stonyford, CA 95979
(916) 963-3128

Snow Mountain is the southernmost peak of the North Coast Range. Higher elevations relatively flat and eroded; mid elevations quite steep and dissected. The Middle Fork of Stony Creek has rocky bluffs. Red fir grows at higher elevations, more exposed sites bare. Red and white fir, Douglas fir and ponderosa pine grow at mid elevations. Chaparral brush and oak in lower lying areas. Ecologically unique area at the transition from the Coast Ranger to the lower valley foothills. Some 122 species of wildlife inhabit the area including black tailed deer, black bear, mountain lions, bald eagles, golden eagles and goshawk.

82,00 acres
(North and East side entry) Inyo National Forest
Mount Whitney Ranger District
P. O. Box 8
Lone Pine, CA 93545
(619) 876-5542

(South side entry) Sequoia National Forest
Cannell Meadow Ranger District
P. O. Box 6
Kernville, CA 93238
(619) 376-3781

This area straddles the Sierra Nevada Crest at the southern end of the range. Terrain is steep and dissected, but includes parts of the large Monache/Beck Meadow complexes. South Fork of the Kern and a few other perennial streams cross the area, but most streams are intermittent and much of the area is arid. East side vegetation mainly pinon-juniper; mixed pine at high elevations. Varying mixtures of lodgepole, Jeffrey pine, and red and white fir on west side. Pacific Crest Trail crosses from north to south. Elevations range from 6,100 feet near Kennedy Meadows to 12, 123 feet at Olancha Peak. Wilderness topo map (combined Golden Trout / South Sierra) available for $2.00. Wilderness permits not required, but campfire permits are.

70,400 acres
Modoc National Forest
Warner Mountain Ranger District
P. O. Box 220
Cedarville, CA 96104
(916) 279-6116, 6117 or 6118

Located on the Warner Mountain Ranger District, the South Warner Wilderness contains rugged topography, expansive vistas, rolling hills, mountain meadows, clear streams and the highest peaks in northeastern California. Eagle Peak at 9,892 feet, Warren Peak at 9,710 and Squaw Peak at 8,646 feet are conspicuous landmarks in the wilderness. Vegetation on the precipitous mountain slopes generally sparse. Gentle, rolling topography on western slope. Vegetation includes ponderosa, Jeffrey, western white, whitebark and lodgepole pines; white fir; western juniper; aspen; bitterbrush; mountain mahogany; sagebrush and an abundance of wildflowers. 7 lakes; Clear, Patterson and North Emerson provide best fishing for rainbow, eastern brook, redband and brown trout. 79 miles of maintained trail suitable for horses, 23 additional trail miles not maintained. Carry in stock feed. July to mid- October best travel times, but severe storms may occur in any month.

16,300 acres
Lassen National Forest
Hat Creek Ranger District
P. O. Box 220
Fall River Mills, CA 96028
(916) 336-5521

Good area for short trips. Many lakes provide good fishing. Elevations 5,000 to 9,000 feet. Most use near Eiler, Magee, Everett and Barett lakes. Snow on ground until June most years; thunderstorms early in summer. Best travel mid-June through September. Limited forage. Mosquitoes a problem first part of summer.

513,100 acres
(South side entry) Shasta-Trinity National Forests
Weaverville Ranger District
P. O. Box T
Weaverville, CA 96093
(916) 623-2131

(North side entry) Klamath National Forest
1312 Fairlane Road
Yreka, CA 96097
(916) 842-6131

(West side entry) Six Rivers National Forest
500 - 5th St.
Eureka, CA 95501
(707) 442-2721

The second largest wilderness in California, formerly the Salmon Trinity Alps Primitive Area, was nearly doubled in size by the 1984 California Wilderness Act. Rugged, isolated area consists of mountain ridges and deep canyons between the Trinity and Salmon Rivers. More than 55 lakes and streams; scattered timber stands and large meadows; barren rock cliffs and peaks. Elevations 2,000 to 8,000 feet. Annual precipitation 50 inches, including up to 12 feet of snow. Area accessible from mid-June to mid-October. Bear and other wildlife plentiful. Firewood scarce in many areas, portable stoves recommended. Forage limited; stock feed required before July 1. Many trail into the area. Heavy use areas are Canyon Creek, Stuart Fork, Swift Creek and Grizzly Creek drainages. Less use in areas south of Coffee Creek Road and near Little Mill, Washbasin and West Boulder lakes. Topo maps available from forest or regional offices for $2.00. Visitor permits required.

167,500 acres
Los Padres National Forest
Monterey Ranger District
406 S. Mildred
King City, CA 93930
(408) 385-5434

Chaparral covers lower slopes; woodland and timber along the many perennial streams. Elevations 1,300 to 4,800 feet. Wild boar, deer and many other species of wildlife. Wood fires permitted only at designated campsites. Big Sur drainage heavily used. Check with King City office before trip for current information about trails and areas open for public entry.

154,000 acres
(South side entry) Mendocino National Forest
420 E. Laurel St.
Willows, CA 95988
(916) 934-3316

(North side entry) Six Rivers National Forest
500 - 5th Street
Eureka, CA 95501
(707) 442-2721

Located between the North and South Yolla Bolly Mountains in rugged country of the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Eel River. Dense stands of pine and fir on ridges; chamise and manzanita at lower elevations. Bear and deer. Excellent solitude and long- distance views. Pack in stock feed. Water scarce after July 1. Extensive trail system. Elevations 2,700 to 8,000 feet. Solitude a main attraction of this wilderness. Hiking season May to October. Main use during hunting season in September. Parties limited to 15 in Beegum and Trinity River drainages, 25 in the rest of the area. Topo maps available from forest or regional offices for $2.00.