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Los Padres National Forest
Los Padres National Forest Welcomes You
From the mountains to the sea, the Forest spans some of the most ruggedly beautiful landscapes to be found anywhere in California
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Chris Stubbs selected as new Los Padres Forest Supervisor
On Friday, June 10, U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore announced the selection of Chris Stubbs as new Los Padres Forest Supervisor. Stubbs has served as Los Padres Deputy Forest Supervisor since 2019. He replaces Kevin Elliott, who retired in October 2021 following 42 years of federal service. Stubbs will take the reins beginning June 26.
Encompassing almost two million acres, the Los Padres is the third largest National Forest in California. It occupies a major portion of the coastal mountain ranges and extends for about 220 miles from the west boundary of Los Angeles County to mid-Monterey County on the north. More information about the forest.
Visitors are attracted to the Los Padres by the variety of terrain, vegetation, and recreational settings which include ocean beaches, sub-alpine forest, chaparral, desert badlands, and riparian areas. The Big Sur area, on the beautiful Monterey coastline, is a national and international attraction which is visited by millions of travelers each year. Recreational activities include camping, hiking, scenic driving, OHV riding and camping, equestrian riding, fishing, snow play, beach walks, wildflower viewing, picnicking, rock climbing and more.
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Visitor Services
The Los Padres National Forest's Supervisor's Office (headquarters) and ranger stations (district offices) have re-opened. Please call the ranger station/office that you plan to visit ahead of time for hours of operation. You can access our forest maps or if you need immediate assistance or have any questions, please call the nearest ranger district.
Recent News
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Fourth of July visitors reminded that fireworks are always prohibited on Los Padres National Forest
Release Date: Jun 29, 2022 Solvang, CA
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Appeals court upholds Los Padres projects
Release Date: Jun 28, 2022 Solvang, CA
Features
Rose Valley Creek Restoration Project
Many public resources and cultural values take place at Rose Valley Creek. Stream and habitat restoration is being proposed for Southern California steelhead and other federally protected wildlife. Along with stream restoration, floodplain function, water-holding properties, riparian vegetation, are expected to increase. Read more...
May 24, 2022 Rose Valley Creek Restoration Project Scoping Meeting
May 13, 2021 Rose Valley Creek Restoration Project Public Workshop Video Recording
Restoring Los Padres’ Native Steelhead Trout Habitat
The anadromous Southern California steelhead (SCS) trout distinct population segment indigenous to Southern California received Endangered Species status in 1997 due to declining numbers. Over the last two decades, the situation for these trout native to Los Padres National Forest (LPNF) has continued to deteriorate, and the species now have one of the highest levels of federal protection.
Stream conditions and steelhead critical habitat were further degraded by the massive Zaca Fire in 2007 that denuded landscapes above traditional steelhead spawning waters and contributed to greater sediment deposition downstream. As SCS stocks have declined substantially from their historic numbers across the LPNF and other part of Southern California, many are now facing extinction.
Spotlights
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Gloria Brown
Honoring Gloria Brown – the first female African American to become a forest supervisor in the U.S. Forest Service, including Los Padres National Forest!
Crews Take Mule Train into Sespe
On April 14, 2021, two strings of pack mules of eight animals apiece left a trailhead north of Ojai, carrying tools and supplies for a major trail project in the Sespe Wilderness.
Region 5 Pack Stock Center of Excellence
Watch this short video to learn more about the Pacific Southwest Region’s Pack Stock Center of Excellence and how horses and mules have been used in the agency since its inception.
