Thurman Flats Picnic Area
This picnic area is on Highway 38, about 3.5 miles northeast of the Mill Creek Visitor Center. This is one of the best bird-watching areas on the Forest, with over 200 species seen here. Look in the incense cedars at the picnic area and in the alders growing along the creek: yellow warblers, and Lawrence’s goldfinch, scrub jays, hooded orioles, and northern orioles. Many of the birds are using the trees as a resting place while migrating to and from Central and South America.
There is a large pavilion to provide shade over several picnic tables at Thurman Flats. BBQ grills are also provided.
This area is subjected to Flash floods during the rainy season. Please use EXTREME caution when visiting creeks in the area after the rainy season as the water may be flowing faster than usual.
General Information
DAY USE ONLY - Sunrise to Sunset
You can purchase your Recreation Passes at FS Offices and select Vendor Locations. Please call ahead for pass availability.
- No wood fires, charcoal BBQs or charcoal stove allowed outside agency provided fire-ring.
- No ground or building of rock-fire-rings permitted anywhere in Southern CA Forests!
- No loud music or generators [36 CFR 261.10(I)]
- NO overnight Camping permitted due to Forest Order 05-12-00-23-05 OCCUPANCY AND USE
Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
$30 per annual
Recreation Passes Honored: Adventure Passes, Digital Recreation Pass or Interagency Recreation Passes.
Dogs MUST be on a leash not longer than six feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control [36 CFR 261.16(j)]. Read more info about pet ethics.
Address: 34701 Mill Creek Road Mentone, CA 92359
Phone: (909) 382-2882
Hours: Saturday-Sunday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 34.10388889
Longitude: -117.0116667
Directions
Hwy 38 east of Bryant Avenue, right hand side of the highway, adjacent to Mill Creek
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
