Tag Archives: camping

Stanislaus River California

stanislaus
Stanislaus River, Sonora Pass

Stanislaus River

Central Sierra Nevada Mountains
Sonora Pass CA 108 / Ebbetts Pass CA 4
Stanislaus National Forest

The Sierra Nevada mountain route that usually closes first and opens last, due to snow and rock slides . Sonora Pass snow is epic, but often unaccessible most of the year. Snow melt can be slow and this route may not open by until mid-summer. (Quite typical on this highway). Check Cal Trans Hwy Reports. Summer and early Autumn is the time to visit this region, so plan accordingly.

Stanislaus National Forest

This Big Sierra River is so far reaching that it covers areas from two different Wilderness Areas and two Sierra highway systems: Sonora Pass 108 & Ebbetts Pass Hwy 4.

The North Fork of Stanislaus River starts up at Highland Creek (below Highland Lakes) and parallels the Ebbetts Pass pavement westward down the mountain. Numerous lakes and parks along this steep northern fork, all lined with impressive granite rock. Spicer Reservoir, Elephant Rock, Summit LakeCalaveras Big Trees State Park and Stanislaus National Forest.

Middle Fork of Stanislaus River, overview

  • Clark Fork flowing from the Dardanelles in Carson Peak Wilderness, become the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River. Numerous Campgrounds, RV camps, horse camps along Clark Fork Road. California Highway 108 may still have  a real old fashioned pay phone at this intersection. Go look.
  • Kennedy Creek comes in from the south side of the highway and creates Kennedy Meadows, a horse packing ranch; Not to be confused with the Kern Kennedy Meadows, way down south.
  • Eagle Creek and Kennedy, plus the Clark Fork are the main headwaters to Stanislaus River making up the Middle fork of this river. Traveling southwest thru the forest, with numerous Reservoirs and plenty of campgrounds.

Middle Fork comes together near the Fence Creek Campground @ Hwy 108. Flowing downhill to join Donnell Lake, then 10 miles of ‘really rugged wild river’ down to Beardsley Lake, then to Sand Bar Flat Campground further below, and on towards the county line @ Calaveras.

South Fork Stanislaus, the shortest of the forks, flows down from Pinecrest Lake, Dodge Ridge Ski Resort and the Emigrant Wilderness Area. Then hits Lyons Reservoir (4228′ elev) near the community of Long Barn, CA Italian Bar brings it right down to Historical Gold Camp, Columbia.

Eventually the massive Stanislaus River ends up in the San Joaquin (Central) Valley, like most of the Western Sierra rivers do, growing the food crops for all. California is a huge agriculture state.

volcanomdws
Volcanic Dardanelles

Backpacking Big Wilderness 

With Wilderness making up the majority of the landscape around these river canyons , there is ample opportunity for day hiking, creek fishing and backpacking adventures. May as well plan for a full week off of work, if you wanna explore in some depth. Many trailheads have small parking lots located on dirt roads, which are usually passenger car accessible.

Carson Iceberg Wilderness
Emigrant Wilderness

pctPCT = The Pacific Crest hiking trail cuts right across the tallest Sierra Nevada mountain pass – Sonora Pass 108 @ 9625′ elev.

Black Bears are common in this region and several areas have bear boxes for proper food storage. If not available, you’ll need a bear canister or learn to properly hang your food in a tree.

Winter closures due to deep snow is common more than half the year up here. Check Cal Trans for highway conditions and w/ local rangers to find out what back roads are open, and which ones are too muddy. 4WD may be needed to reach certain destinations, if snow & mud are still present. Winter SNOW CAN LAST UP HERE: on the peaks all summer long; And snow can start falling as early as October, so know the forecast before you set out on a major backcountry trip.

Wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in the backcountry. Stop by a ranger station to get the latest details before your big trek into the woods. USFS web sites are not always so up-to-date. A phone call or personal visit may be needed to get accurate info.

hikerHiking Trailheads:

PCT Sonora Pass
Seven Pines
Kennedy Meadows
Columns of the Giants
Clarks Fork
Iceberg Meadow
Donnell Vista Point
Wheats Meadow
County Line
Bummers Flat
Sand Bar Flat

Stanislaus Ranger Stations ranger

Stanislaus Forest Headquarters
19777 Greenley Road
Gold Country @ Hwy 49
Sonora, CA 95370
209-532-3671ranger

Summit Ranger District
#1 Pinecrest Lake Road
Highway 108 (Sonora Pass)
Pinecrest, CA 95364
209-965-3434

Calaveras Ranger District
5519 Highway 4 (Ebbetts Pass)
Hathaway Pines, CA 95233
209-795-1381

USFS @ Highway 4
Mi-Wuk Village, CA
[CLOSED to PUBLIC]

SonoraHwy
Massive Granite, California Hwy 108 – West Sonora Pass

River Rafting on the Stanislaus River

Sierra
Stanislaus Map

Outdoor Recreation:

  • Backpacking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Kayaking
  • Mountaineering
  • Off-Roading
  • River Rafting
  • Rock Climbing
  • Snow Skiing
  • Stargazingsnow
  • Wilderness
  • Wildflowers

Forest & Parks along this River:

icebergmdw
Horse Camping @ Iceberg Meadow, Clark’s Fork

Sierra Mountain Lodging

lodge

Sonora, CA
Twain Harte
Pinecrest
Dardanelle
Lake Alpine
Arnold, CA
Murphys, CA

Motel Rooms
Motel Rooms @ Dardanelle, CA

Best CampsBest Camps are always on the Back Roads

USFS

NFS Campgrounds along this River 

North fork of Stanislaus

Highland Lakes Campground
Sour Grass Campground
Spicer Reservoir Campground

Middle Fork of Stanislaus

campBoulder Flat Campground
Brighten Flat Campground
Dardanelle Campground
Pigeon Flat Campground
Eureka Valley Campground
Baker Campground
Deadman Campground
Clark Fork Horse Camp
Clark Fork Campground
Fence Creek Campground
Sand Flat Campground
Cascade Creek Campground
Sand Bar Flat Campground

South Fork of Stanislaus

Fraser Flat Campground
Pinecrest Lake Campground

Highland Lake
Highland Lakes

Dispersed Camping Mid-Sierra

The Wilderness boundaries on each side of the pavement (CA 108) along with giant granite walls, steep cliffs, boulders, wild raging rivers and dense forests make dirt road accessibility somewhat limited along the Sonora Pass Highway. Ebbetts (CA 4) has more dirt road accessibility, especially beyond Beardsley Lake.

County Line Road #6N06 will take you past a developed NFS Camp called Fence Creek  Campground. The dirt road climbs into the forest meadows, with 2 trailheads to be found within a few miles.  Horse Corral at Wheats Meadow. Numerous primitive campsites for backpackers, car campers, horse campers. Lush meadows, hidden forests, boulder outcroppings, dead end roads.

Back behind Pinecrest Lake & Dodge Ridge Ski are several dirt road loops w/ primitive camping at
Bell Meadow 
Crabtree

campfireCampfire permits are Required for camping outside of developed NFS campgrounds. Obtain a free campfire permit before you build a fire. Have a bucket and shovel at camp, always; attend the fire at all times.

Levitt Lake @ 9556′ elev, on the eastern slope of Sonora Pass has rocky road to wonderful scenery. Mid summer snow melt, so bring the good jacket – even in summer. High elevation camping, hiking, kayaking; rock scrambling at tree line. This alpine lake best reached with high clearance vehicle.

camptruck

Union, Utica, and Spicer Reservoirs have a few dirt roads to explore off Spicer Rd #7N01, with abundant trails for hiking and mountain biking.  Tons of firewood, free for the cutting. Bring your saw!

Kayaking and canoeing are popular at both Union and Utica. Dirt road access. No motors on lake. FREE LAKE CAMP: Shoreline camping is possible, but summer crowds  – can get downright insane. Nothing like a traffic jam in the middle of nowhere. Big families camping out all week long w/ all their toys, tents, multiple vehicles. Try to visit in the off-season for the best experience at these 2 lovely lakes. Spicer has developed campgrounds w/ fees, but has real boat ramps and can also  accommodate RV campers.

Jeep Roads Sierra

OHV Trails Stanislaus 

4x44×4 camps and dirt bike trails can be found at Niagra Creek, on the south side of Highway 108, before Clarks Fork.

Union Reservoir has a popular 4WD trail that connects up to Lake Alpine @ Ebbetts Pass.

BACK ROADS TIP
Regular dirt roads can become “4WD needed” with any decent amount of snow or heavy rains, especially on the steeper sections. Remember: No guard rails on the dirt roads. If you plan to camp ‘way back in there, in  the boonies’ – make sure you know the weather forecast and have a vehicle that can get out; no matter how sloppy the road gets. Thunderstorms are possible. Snow is 75% of the year.

BridgeSonora

Towns along Stanislaus River:

RV

StanislausTopoAtlas
Stanislaus Topo Atlas

Maps on Stanislaus:

Stanislaus National Forest Map USDA
Stanislaus Topo Atlas USDA
Carson Iceberg Wilderness Map USDA
Carson Emigrant NatGeo Map
Emigrant Wilderness Maps

Restrooms
Restrooms w/ Showers @ Dardanelle, CA

Links about Stanislaus River:

USFS – North Fork Stanislaus RiverUS Army Corp of Engineers: Stanislaus River Parks
Stanislaus River Salmon Festival
Lower Stanislaus River Fly Fishing

Stanislaus River Rafting
Stanislaus River – Class 3 Rapids @ Camp 9
DFG – Stanislaus River Report

Sonora Back Roads
Sonora Back Roads


Calaveras Big Trees

BigTreeMatt

California State Park system manages this Gold Country Sequoia grove, called Calaveras Big Trees

Calaveras State Park
1170 Highway 4
Arnold, CA 95223

4 miles northeast of Arnold on California Highway 4, Ebbetts Pass

elevation: 4800′
6073 acres

Park Hours
Day Use: Sunrise to Sunset

Stanislaus River and Sequoia Groves
+ 2 developed campgrounds

Park Headquarters
209-795-2334

Visitors Center
209-795-3840

Calaveras is a small but popular Sequoia Park in the Gold Rush foothill country of the western Sierra Nevada Mountains. Large Sequoia redwood trees, Visitors Center, nature trails, 2 large campgrounds, Stanislaus River access, hiking trailheads and picnic spots. Summer and weekends are usually busy. Plan your visit on weekdays or off-season for less crowds.

Park is open during the winter, but expect rain or snow. Sledding is allowed in the State Park during decent snowfall. Snow chains or 4WD may be needed to reach this location during winter months.

fenceline

toddlers
Photo Credit © Mike Rother

Calaveras Recreation 

Cabin Rentals & Campgrounds
Calaveras has rustic cabin rentals

Fishing
Stanisalus River
Beaver Creek

Hiking
Nature trails near Sequoia groves; Day  hiking throughout park

stanislaus
Stanislaus NF Map

Horses
May-October
Horseback tours
& stagecoach rides

Mountain Biking
on bike routes and roads only

Winter Skiing
Cottage Springs
nearby

Calaveras Backpacking

footbridge
Photo Credit © Mike Rother

This park has nature trails, hiking trails , dirt roads and bike routes.

No trails in the State Park connect to outer wilderness areas or forest.

For backcountry camping on foot, you’ll need to drive into the National Forest and locate a trailhead. Obtain wilderness permit ahead of time at the USFS ranger station in Hathaway Pines, CA

NFS

Stanislaus National Forest
Calaveras Ranger Station USFS
ranger
5519 Highway 4
Hathaway Pines, CA 95233
Phone: 209-795-1381

Closest wilderness areas to Calaveras SP:

StanislausTopoAtlas
Stanislaus Topo Atlas

Calaveras CampgroundsRV camping Sonora

2 large developed campgrounds with  flush toilets.camp
Campgrounds open March- November. Max RV or trailer = 30′
(camp reservations  accepted)

walk-in camp sites for tents only:
North Grove Environmental
Oak Hollow Environmental North
Oak Hollow Environmental South

Calaveras Car Camping
Calaveras Car Camping @ North Grove

NFS Camp Sites Nearby

Beaver Creek Campground is located on Beaver Creek, on a dirt back road, way back in there. Past the big river. Just beyond the South Grove trailhead. USDA web site states that this camp is currently closed due to tree hazards. Google Maps has it listed, but the gov web site does not. Call local rangers to find out!

Sourgrass Recreation Area is just north of the State Park. Forest Road #52 will lead to numerous river destinations, camp sites, fishing spots and swimming holes.

Wakalu Hep Yo Campground: Primitive camp; 49 camp sites w/ fee. Pack it in, Pack it out. No garbage services. No reservations. First-come, first-serve. aka Wild River Campground

Big Meadow Campground is a large NFS camp, located right on Highway 4, about 20 miles from Arnold, CA; Large forested camp w/ shade, hiking and fishing closely; North fork of Stanislaus River; Autumn colors in the aspen grove; 68 camp sites, some of which can accommodate RVs. Max length = 27′

Stanislaus River

Primitive Camp Sites

No primitive camping inside this state park; Campfires are only permitted inside the 2 developed campgrounds.

WALK-IN environmental campsites are available at both of the State Park campgrounds – North Grove & Oak Hollow.

campfireFor car camping and free of charge camping spots, you’ll need to exit the park and start your searching on the back roads, in the neighboring Stanislaus National Forest. First, get a good topo map and try to pick several spots worth exploring. Obtain a campfire permit from the USFS ranger station (Arnold, CA)

Driving dirt roads and looking for a primitive camp site should be accomplished during daylight hours. Arriving at night could pose serious problems, like getting lost, encountering wildlife, settling on a poor place to camp or worst, sleep in your car. Always plan for plenty of time and daylight to find a good (free) camp.

camptruckAcross the Highway (SR 4) from Calaveras State Park a long dirt road ridge line will lead to Railroad Flat –  Forest Service Rd#5N23, Summit Level Road

Just north of Calaveras State Park is a paved road worth checking out – Board Crossing Road #52 becomes Forest Service Rd #5N02

bigtreesmdw

Calaveras Hiking

State Park has nature trail around Sequoia grove & guided tours in hikersummer. Day hiking trails throughout the park and fishing trails along the river.

swat
Did we mention that you should always bring the mosquito repellant?

Grove Hike
Hiking around the North Grove

more public lands nearby –
BLM Gold Country
USDA Stanislaus National Forest

Nearby towns w/ lodging:

Angels Camp, CA
Arnold, CA
Dorrington, CA
Murphys, CA
Sonora, CA

mainstreet2021
Main Street in Angels Camp, CA

Mitchell Caverns

guided cave tour

Mitchell Caverns @ Mojave Desert

Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
surrounded by Mojave NP

hiker

Limestone cave with public tours; entry into Mitchell Caverns is by guided tour only. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and be prepared for a decent hike.

Due to summer heat, this desert park closed for the months of JULY & AUGUST

cave tour reservations:
760-928-2586
(by phone on Mondays 8am-5pm)

walkway

hike up to entrance

queen at mitchell

Mojave Desert National Preserve
Interstate 40 East, exit Essex & take Goffs Rd. down to town. Take right on Essex Rd. going North & continue to Providence Mountain State Recreation Area.

straws at cave

textured rocks

camp
Providence Mountain Campground
now open JAN 2023

providence camp
Campground at Providence SRA

camp reservations:
760-928-2586

Check in time is 2pm, check out time is 12pm
Maximum 2 vehicles and 8 people per campsite
Quiet time is 10pm-6am, generators off 8pm-8am

The front gate will close at 9pm. If you expect to arrive after 9pm, call the park office for the gate combination.

Water is scarce at the park. Bring your own water for drinking, washing, and cooking. There is no trash service at the park. Pack it in and Pack it out.

wildflowers

Mojave Desert Wildflowers bloom in early spring. Amazing amount of flora surrounds the park campground: golden poppies, lupine, baby blue eyes, yucca, and barrel cactus (just to name a few)

wildflower

yucca

barrel cacti

Virginia Lakes California

lakeshore in autumn

fishing by float tube
A top high elevation fishing destination in the Eastern Sierra, California

Eastern Sierra Lakes – US Hwy 395

A grouping of small lakes on the Eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains near Bridgeport, California. Camping & fishing are the main attractions here, along with a high elevation trailhead. Awesome back country access for the backpackers who love hiking the Hoover Mountain Wilderness.
Aspen trees turn golden colors as freezing temps lower in Autumn, and can be breathtaking in October. Sometimes the window of opportunity is very short, as the first snow of the season usually falls at the same time of year.
Virginia Lakes Trailhead

mountain lakes next to tall granite peaks, inside Toiyabe National Forest, Eastern Sierra, right off US Hwy 395.

fish

location:
Eastern Sierra California
Mono County
W off US Hwy 395
on Virginia Lakes Road
Just south of Bridgeport, CA

elevation: 9500′

inside this Eastern Sierra canyon:

Virginia Creek
Trumbull Lake
Virginia Lake
Blue Lake
Red Lake
Cooney Lake
Moat Lake
Frog Lakes
Burro Lake

Virginia Lakes Trailhead

Virginia Lakes Road (snow may close in winter)
Virginia Creek Rd #32139
Dunderberg Road #020

snow

trailhead
Hoover Wilderness hiking trails and trailhead

area activities:

camp

Eastern Sierra Camping:
Lake Campgrounds, Primitive Camping,
Dispersed Creek Camp Sites

freecamp139
BOONDOCKING: free camping on dirt road #139
road 139
Dirt Road parallels the paved road on the south side.

canoe

nearby towns:

Bodie Ghost Town
Bridgeport
Lee Vining
Twin Lake

wilderness trail maps:

virginia lake aspens
Autumn colors with aspen groves above 9000′ elevation

Moab, Utah

Moab UTAH
Red Rock Country is Outdoor Heaven

moabUT

If there is one way to get the Total Escape crew outta California, it will be with the enticing red rock landscapes of Utah. The amazing spanse of colorful desert is enough to inspire any nature lover down to their soul.

Moab, Utah was a sleepy little, rural town until about the 1980’s when the Jeeps took over. Numerous, annual off road events, plus the rise of mountain biking, new hotel development in town, and sheer “word of mouth” made Moab what it is today – a bustling, busy, tourist village with restaurants, brewery, and lodging.

Off Road Mecca of Moab UT

 Desert

terrain: high desert canyons and mountain peaks

elevation: 4000′
population: 5,253

terrain: High elevation red rock desert paradise. A deep river valley surrounded by snow capped peaks & red rock grandure.

location:
South Eastern Utah
Grand County
south of Interstate 70 on Hwy. 191

description: This locale has boomed in the last few decades with a determined focus on outdoor activities. The town is a recreation mecca set in the vast beautiful desert of southwestern Utah.

Amazingly scenic spot set in red rock landscapes along rivers – with abundant outdoor recreation around every corner. Snow capped mountains are a scenic backdrop for more than half the year.

4x4

4WD – 4×4

area activities:

  • off-roading
  • rock crawling
  • mountain biking
  • dirt biking
  • rock climbing
  • river rafting
  • shops in village
  • restaurants
  • river kayaking
  • hiking
  • camping
  • picnics

camp

local links:

Moab Area Chamber of Commerce
805 North Main Street
Moab, Utah
435-259-7814

DiscoverMoab.com

Moab-Utah.com

maverick
Maverick, Moab Utah

Parks, Rivers and Forests
surrounding Moab Valley, Utah

There is plenty land for solitude, just make sure to keep the peace. Don’t be honking at any cattle in the roadway. Stressed out city folks will soon be put in their place out in these parts. It is best to plan a full week vacation to thoroughly enjoy this awesome red rock location.

Moab Area Maps

Moab Cyn Hike 2003

Best Hikes in Moab:

dirtbikes

Moab Mountain Biking Trails

check

Try this adventure: Drive from Saint George to Moab — on almost all dirt roads! No traffic lights for 5 full days. Weaving in & out of all the National Park & National Forest lands is an experience of a lifetime. Plenty of great dispersed camping – everywhere.

camera see our 150 Utah photos on Flickr

umbrellaMay through October is the best months to try this road trip, but be aware that there is a monsoon season here: Thunderstorms and flash floods are possible late summer into autumn.

Susan River California

Susanville Footbridge

Susan River California 

67 miles long, northern boundary of the Sierra Nevada

Lassen Peak to Susanville, CA

Lassen Volcanic National ParkNPSplaque

California’s Susan River begins way up @ Caribou Lake (6,571′ elevation) , on the east side of Lassen Peak at an altitude of 10,457′  inside the Caribou Wilderness.

Silver Lake (6400′ elev) at the Silver Bowl w/ Lassen National Forest Road #10 being the main, north-south access route, on the west side of A21.

Rocky Knoll Campground, Hourglass Lake, Hidden Lake, Tule Lake, Pine Lake. PCT is located 10 miles to the west of this area, running north-south through the center of the National Park.

  • Hay Meadows Trailhead
  • Caribou Lake Trailhead

kidfishing

Susan River follows Silver Lake Road down to Mooney Road A21. Backpacking, fishing and hiking are main attractions out here in the undeveloped lands, but snow can close these routes and trailheads for half the year. Expect crowds on summer weekends, as the Volcanic National Park pulls in a lot of visitors – and those tend to filter over to the outlying regions like the rivers and National Forest.
fish

Road A21

The Susan River Campground [CLOSED 2020] and Swains Campground, developed NFS campgrounds located on Mooney Rd (aka A21), due N of Westwood, CA

Lassen County Rd #A21 is a minimal signed road, near gas station on Hwy 36; Lassen County A21 is a paved road and very forested, with no services. A forested route which parallels Robber’s Creek, all this above Lake Almanor.

lassensignage

EAST BOUND

Susan River flows into the Great Basin – not the Pacific Ocean, like most rivers in California. After exiting the slopes of Lassen, the Susan River descends downhill along Highway 44, to McCoy Flat Reservoir (5556′) and then on to Hog Flat Reservoir  (5494′)  w/ access road #30N06.

camp

NFS Gomez Campground (5200′) is situated along the Susan River, on Road #30N03. Camp centrally located near both highways, with rail road tracks and access to a popular NRT (National Recreation Trail), the  Biz Johnson Trail (BLM).blm

Susan River flows east toward downtown Susanville, underneath highway system. Roxie Peconom Campground (4800′) is on a feeder stream, to the south, on Willard Creek. Forested walk-in camp site w/ large, level drum circle for large gatherings. Awesome location, far enough off the main drag.

Autumn colors can be decent along Willard Creek in September and October. This camping area is only 3 miles from the Highway 36 (via dirt road) and sorta close to town. Only 13 miles (biking distance) west of Susanville, CA

Chaney Creek Road is a dirt road near Highway 36, which parallels the river, the red rock bluff and the road, downhill into town.

Roxie Sign
Jamani Maidu Weda
  • backpacking

  • camping

  • creeks

  • hiking

  • fishing

  • kayaking

  • lakes

  • mountain biking

  • off roading

hiker

Forest Road #29N03 is Gold Run Road, the bumpy dirt road – that skirts around Diamond Mountain on the south side. Lots of one laner dirt roads, which will require a National Forest map or a decent topo map to navigate properly. OHV is common in these areas, so if you seek peace and quiet and solitude, know how to red a map and where the dirt bikes are expected to be.

Susan Sky
Summer Skies over Susanville w/ Diamond Mountain peak

USFS Ranger Station is located on the west side, just outside of town, on the wide downhill grade @ the Eagle Lake turnoff. Cal Fire station is also located along this stretch of highway.

Lassen National Forest
Ranger Station USFS

CA-36 @ Eagle Lake Rd, Susanville, CA 96130
Susanville, CA 96130
530-257-4188

Cal Fire Station
697 CA-36, Susanville, CA 96130
530-257-4171

 

ranger

The main road (highway 36 & 44) through here, and the Susan River parallel the whole way – dropping into town. Slow descent into downtown, as sharp curves come up abruptly (without a stop light) and pavement becomes a 25 mph downtown w/ pedestrians.

You can find the river by turning right (south) on Richmond,  through neighborhood. Susan River Parkway has some trails and picnic areas, with a ball field nearby. Hobo Camp is walking distance; biking and hiking trails abound.

Susanville Hiking Trails PDF
BLM Southside Trails

Susan River
Susan River in Susanville, CA
Susan River Parkway
Susan River Parkway

Small Park in Town
Small Park in Town

The Susan River was named after the daughter of early settler Isaac Roop, in 1857. The Museum Cabin homestead in downtown is that of Issac Roop, not Peter Lassen (as many mistakingly think).

The Susan River continues east to US Hwy 395, then southbound to enter the north Honey Lake. Lower lying deserts make up the Great Basin, which fills most of the state of Nevada.

McCloud River California

McCloud Creek & McCloud River

South of Mount Shasta
Shasta National Forest

The pleasure of visiting McCloud – hiking, biking and camping – is best done in the summer or early autumn. This region receives large amounts of snow, so visiting in winter often means a snow-mobile.

The McCloud River starts on the east side of the National Forest and flows west through these campgrounds listed below, then south to Lake McCloud. The river continues on past the lake and crosses the Pacific Crest Trail, then it descends another 25 miles southbound to the bigger Lake Shasta.

Middle Falls McCloud
Middle Falls @ McCloud River

McCloud Falls
Northern California 

3 developed campgrounds near waterfalls, along Highway 89

  • Fowlers Campground NFS @ lower falls
  • Cattle Campground NFS @ swimming hole
  • Algoma Campground NFS (the free camp)

downriver

Fowler Campground is the largest of these campgrounds, with bathrooms and fees. Only 6 miles (biking distance) to the small town of McCloud, CA

#40N44 UPPER FALLS RD – a paved road (which parallels the highway) connects all 3 tiers of water falls, the parking lots, trail systems, and two campgrounds – Fowler and Cattle.

camp

Cattle Campground is a spread out, flat, forest loop, walking distance to the river and numerous swimming holes. Located close to the highway @ Tate Creek Road.

Water from this river originates on Lone Pine Ridge, near Dead Horse Summit (4505′) along Hwy 89. PCT Bartle Gap trailhead.

Feeder streams to this river include: Angel Creek from the south; from mighty Mount Shasta on the north side, Ash Creek joins McCloud River near the Cattle Campground. Mud Creek merges into McCloud River, from the north, running down the east side of town. Lake McCloud is fed by the river and Squaw Valley Creek, coming in from the north. PCT Cabin Creek trailhead.

McCloud Creek starts east of McCloud, CA and becomes a raging, wide river within a few 20 miles.

hiker
The smallest of these camps is Algoma Campground – located on a paved road,  near a one lane bridge at McCloud Creek, the headwaters to the McCloud River. Algoma is the only free campground on this river, and due to that fact, it fills up quick w/ first come campers.

algomabridge

The paved access road is not well signed from the highway, so it helps to get a decent back roads map of the region and plan to arrive during daylight.

GRIZZLY PEAK RD. or aka Grizzly Peak Lookout Road is
Forest Road #39N06
 and it turns to dirt and continues past the campground, deeper into the forest and eventually ends up climbing to an elevation of over 6000′ and then down the mountain to Big Bend @ Pit River.

3N06daytime

McCloud Algoma
McCloud Creek @ Algoma Campground
  • camping

  • fishing

  • hiking

  • mountain biking

  • off roading


aspencampsite

Small aspen grove has autumn colors during October. A signed river trail leads many miles (down river) to seclusion.

algomacamp

self sufficient campers

Minimal facilities at this campground, so bring your shovel, bucket, water filter, plus any additional gear you may need. Town of McCloud is closest place (19 miles) for ice, groceries and gasoline.

fish

rivertrailsign

rivertrailpath

Salinas River

salinasriver

Coastal California

Foothills & Farmland

US Highway 101 cuts thru Salinas Valley & is home to the Salinas River. This area is rich in farming, and industry w/ some residential

Rolling hills with oak trees; cattle in every open field, fresh air and wide open vistas. River has no big campgrounds or city campgrounds, except for the seaside area, where the river hits the ocean @ Marina, CA

Central Coast California Wine Country

Paso Robles, Northern San Luis Obispo County –  is where the Salinas River begins & flows northbound along mountains and  highway – until it meets the Monterey Bay near Castroville, California.

  • dirt bike trailsdirtbikes
  • camping
  • farm stands
  • hiking trails
  • horseback trails
  • pinyon pine
  • oak foothills
  • mission
  • wilderness
Los Padres Monterey Map
Los Padres Monterey Map

This is a big valley river which drains agricultural land, so boating/kayaking is okay, but fishing/swimming – maybe not so great. This region grows huge amounts of produce, due to the inland coastal foothills near perfect climate. Pesticide runoffs can hardly be controlled. It’s in the well water, it’s in the irrigation channels, it’s everywhere – even inside your gut.

Anyhoo, there are several tourist sites, such as historical California missions & wineries in this region, along with Hollister Hills OHV Park. Be warned summer months can get very hot here.

Best time to visit SALINAS RIVER  is NOV-MAY, and in between winter storms, and June Gloom. NOTE: Flooding does occur in these lowlands.

horseback

Parks near Salinas River:hiker

 

Campgrounds near Salinas River:

coastal Monterey Bay –

inland @ King Citycamp

upstream Reservoirs –

    • Redondo Vista Campground (Lake San Antonio)
    • Harris Creek Campground (Lake San Antonio)
    • Lake Nacimiento Resort

This California Central Coast, mountains foothills river region is within Monterey County.

OAKS / CATTLE / FARMS / FREEWAY

Private property, ranch lands, farmland, and public land in the hills – National Forest, BLM, State Park, National Monuments, State Vehicular Recreation Area

Wildfires burn outta control in California, so campfire permits are only available during the wettest of years. Check with local ranger station in Kings City, CA

campfire

San Antonio River
Green Bridge @ Nacimiento Rd, the back way into Big Sur. San Antonio River

Lakes near Salinas River:

fish

Towns along Salinas River:

Attractions near Salinas River:

Downtown Salinas, CA
Downtown Salinas, California [circa 2002]

boatramp dog     picnic  canoeRV

Saline Valley Hot Springs
Maybe you were searching for a remote desert hot springs, called SALINE Valley? Halfway across the world? Nope, across California and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Baja National Parks

Baja California Mexico

Ranger Station
Is this the Ranger Station?

Constitución de 1857 (National Park)

This 13,000-acre park, located in the Sierra Juárez Mountains, has some of the cleanest air on the planet. View deer, bald eagles, pine and oak forest while hiking or camping. Laguna Hanson sits in the middle of the park. Lake fishing for catfish & bass. Granite outcroppings for rock climbers, popular for bouldering. Mountain bike and camping, as well as off roading.

Information Sign
Information Sign

Sierra de San Pedro Mártir (National Park)

This massive range of mountains, 165,000 acres in size, is covered
with pine, oak and madrone forests. Baja’s highest peak at 3,086
meters, Picacho del Diablo resides here. Home to pumas, mountain
lions, bighorn sheep & over 30 species of bats. The region
is the wettest area on the Baja Peninsula, and from October to
May the mountains are covered with snow.

Isla Rasa (Special Biosphere Reserve)

Located in the Gulf of California, this reserve is only 17 acres in size. On this island 90% of the world’s brown sea gulls (larus hermanni) make their nests. Seals and the yellow-footed sea gull also inhabit the area.

El Vizcaíno (Biosphere Reserve)

This reserve is the largest in the world, made up of over six and one half million acres of islands, deserts, and coniferous forests. The gray whale is the reserve’s most interesting inhabitant, where it hibernates and reproduces. Wildlife such as the lynx, puma, red-tail falcon, and white pelican also reside in the unique area.

Isla Guadalupe (Special Biosphere Reserve)

One of the first protected areas of Mexico, this 62,500-acre island in the Pacific Ocean is a prime refuge to sea lions and seals. Unique volcanic geology and specially adapted plants make this reserve a scientist’s paradise.

Isla del Golfo (Special Biosphere Reserve)

Fifty-three islands in the Gulf of California make up this well preserved 375,000-acre reserve. The are is very isolated, making it ideally suited for scientific research and environmental education. Iguanas, lizards, ospreys, sea gulls and cormorant are some of the island’s many inhabitants.

Sea Turtles
Sea Turtles @ Bay of Los Angeles

The Gulf of California
is also referred to as the Sea of Cortez

museum

Gonzaga

baja camping

Camp Archelon
Camp Archelon, Bay of L.A.

Alabama Hills, California

Eastern Sierra BLM – Alabama Hills


A nice surprise for visitors to Mount Whitney region when they happen upon the Alabama Hills. The cool boulder field lies at the base of the eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range – next to the town of Lone Pine, on the way up to Whitney Portal.

The infamous area features a drive named “Movie Road” – with historical spots for filming old westerns & cowboy movies. Plenty of television commercials & videos have been filmed here as well. Relatively close to Los Angeles and SoCal.

high desert: elevation 5354′

 

From the Mojave desert, take Hwy.395 North to the small town of Lone Pine . At the only traffic light in town; turn left up Mt Whitney Portal Road; continue up to boulders. MOVIE ROAD, right turn to start exploring. Mant graded dirt roads and areas to park vehicles.

  • hike

  • bike

  • camp

  • horseback

  • natural arches

  • rock climbing

  • stargaze

  • wildflowers


MT WHITNEY MAPS

Inyo National Forest next door offers the highest granite peaks, pinon pines to Ponderosa pines, Sierra lakes, fishing, hiking, horseback trails.

campfireNO CAMPFIRES (and no open dispersed camping on this BLM land)

Developed Campgrounds nearby:

bamahillcrew

blm

ALABAMA HILLS – BLM 

download BLM PDF map

US 395

 

Alabama Hills Recreational Area
760-876-4444

 

 

Mt. Whitney Information Center
760-876-6200

 

Eastern Sierra links & info

Alabama Hills Stewardship Group
BLM Alabama Hills Info
Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitors Center
Friends of the Inyo
Mt. Whitney Ranger Station USFS