Current Conditions

Updated 09/02/2025

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Forest Service 25 Road (Castle Creek Road) at Castle Crag State Park and Forest Service 25 Road at the intersection of the Forest Service 26 Road due to the Root Fire. Recreators are asked to stay away from trails and trailheads in the fire area.

Ah-Di-Na Campground will be temporarily closed for site maintenance  September 8 - 13, and September 25 - 27. Water and restrooms will be unavailable from September 8th through the 11th. No garbage service at this site. Please pack out whatever you bring in.

Twin Arrows, a popular recreation area, on South Fork Rd., Forest Road 26, is closed due to Newly Discovered Root Disease, Phytophthora lateralis (Port Orford Cedar Root Disease). USFS is asking people to avoid stopping, camping, parking, walking, or otherwise traveling through the Twin Arrows. If you have been to the Twin arrows area in the last year, USFS recommends cleaning any shoes, camping gear, and vehicles brought into the area as they may have active spores on them that can be spread to other areas.

Road Conditions:

• McCloud River Loop Road: Open.
• Everitt Memorial Highway: (A10): Open.
• Castle Lake Road (2M020):  Open.
• Parks Creek Road (17): Open.
• South Fork Road (26): Open.
• Whalan Road (25): Closed
• Toad Lake Road (40N64):  Open. Rough road. High clearance vehicles recommended.
• North Fork Road (41N53): Open Travel at your own risk.
• Bear Creek Road (40N45): Open.
• Military Pass Road (43N19): Open. High clearance vehicles recommended.
• Pilgrim Creek Road (41N13): Open.  Occasional road closures.  Debris flow can be ongoing during extended high temperature events, causing rapid melt of snow and glacier ice, resulting in uncontrollable mud flows.
• Mud Creek: Closure is still a Forest Order. No stopping or using the land in Mud Creek. See Forest Orders.

Hiking

Mount Shasta Wilderness Trailheads

Most of our trails are open. 

• Bunny Flat: OPEN.
• Sand Flat: OPEN.
• Old Ski Bowl: Open.
• Clear Creek:  OPEN.
• Brewer Creek: OPEN.
• North Gate: OPEN.
• Bolam / Whitney Falls: Road washed out. Not accessible.

Other Area Trailheads 

• Parks Creek: Open.
• Gumboot Trailhead: Open
• Black Butte: Open
• Castle Lake:  Open
• Soda Creek: Open
• Dog Trailhead (Access to the PCT): Closed
• Cabin Creek Trailhead: OPEN

Developed Camping

Campsites in developed campgrounds generally have a picnic table, delineated parking, a campfire ring, usually a bear box, toilets and usually drinking water available. Most have a fee, payable on-site using a self-issue registration system and fee envelopes that require exact cash or a personal check, made out to 'USDA Forest Service,' for payment. These registration stands are located at the campground entrance with instructions. Most of our developed campgrounds also have hosts to assist with visitor needs and questions during the busy season. 

• Sims Flat:  Open.
• McBride Spring: Open.
• Castle Lake Campground:  OPEN.
• Panther Meadows: Opens in July 10.
• Gumboot Lake: OPEN.
• Cattle Camp Campground: Open.
• Fowlers Campground: Open.
• AH-DI-NA: Open.
• Trout Creek: Open.

Climbing

For the full report: www.shastaavalanche.org

 You can self-issue permits and passes at the trailheads that are open and stocked. Only Bunny Flat Trailhead is stocked. For all other Trailheads, you'll need to stop at one of the Ranger Stations to pick up your passes. The Wilderness Permits are free of charge and provide critical information. Summit Passes are $25.00 per person and are self-issued using a fee envelope system. You will need correct cash or a personal check, so plan ahead.

For Weather Geeks, Especially Climbers:

1. The spot forecast specifically developed for Mt. Shasta by the National Weather Service based in Medford Oregon.
   1. The text part is targeted for 7,000 feet (the trailhead elevations) and then the chart below that is the forecast for the upper mountain. The snow level figures are for the freeze line, not where the snow pack begins. This forecast is posted daily on our website at shastaavalanche.org
2. The forecast discussion for the entire area for the next few days, also produced by Medford NWS
3. For a look at the actual computer forecast models that the forecasters work from, check out this site. It takes a bit of explanation and practice to figure it out.
   1. This link should take you to the NCEP Central Operations page.
   2. Click on Model Guidance and it will take you to a menu of models.
   3. You’ll notice the Model Area and the Model Type.
   4. Although all these models have their particular strengths, I generally chose NAMER (North American) under Model Area and NAM (North American) under Model Type. This will lead you to the North American options. Look under “Upper Air Params” for the 500_vort_ht. and click on it. The page will reload with an additional section at the bottom that shows “Forecast Hours”. You’ll notice 0300, 0600, 0900, etc. which are individual panels that are 3 hours apart. You can look at any particular panel for any day, but I simply chose the “loop” option and let that load up. When the animation starts, you can adjust it or stop on any panel in the loop using the control buttons at the top. I usually run the loop in animation to see what the general pattern is, then go through the panels one by one for closer analysis.
   5. This 500 millibar map is showing what is going on in the atmosphere at approximately 18,000 feet. Since that is where most storm energy takes place (vorticity) it is the best model for determining winds affecting upper slopes and ridges.
   6. You’ll see two “Date/Time Lines” at the top of the panel. The date/time on the left is the date/time the model was created (the start point). The date/time on the right indicates which panel you are viewing.
   7. Remember each panel or frame is a 3 hour interval and you must adjust for your time zone. It's a little confusing at first as to how to read the time in UTC (Universal Time) converted to local time (subtract 6 hours for PST and subtract 7 hours for PDST. For example, 1800 UTC equals 11 am for us on local daylight savings time.)
   8. There is a shading scale on the left to indicate cloud density and percent of precipitation (likelihood of rain/snow).
   9. The arrows indicate wind direction; the feathers or “barbs” indicate speed. One full barb equals 10 knots; a half barb equals 5 knots; a delta (triangle) equals 50 knots.
   10. You can convert knots to mph, i.e. 35 knots equals 40 mph; 55 knots equals 63 mph, etc. but when you factor in the additional orographic effect that this mountain imposes (think wind foil) the conversion really isn’t necessary. Just read the value as MPH.
   11. Generally speaking, below 35-40 mph is OK for most good climbers; 40-50 mph is still do-able for experienced climbers with favorable snow conditions; over 50 mph is not recommended as you can easily get blown off stance.
   12. Next, check the 700_rh_ht model.  This 700 millibar map shows what is going on in the atmosphere at approximately 10,000 feet. This is a better model for evaluating mid-elevation winds and potential precipitation.
   13. Green shading indicates chance of precipitation, not the expected amount. Darker shading means not only rain or snow, but also poor visibility due to clouds.
   14. Go through the same process for the GFS/NAMER model because it extends out much further, 10 to 16 days. Just remember that it tends to be less accurate the farther you extend in time.

McCloud District

Updated 8/19/25

Ah-Di-Na  Campground will be temporarily closed for site maintenance  September 8 - 13, and September 25 - 27. Water and restrooms will be unavailable from September 8th through the 11th.  No garbage service at this site. Please pack out whatever you bring in.

McCloud Boat Ramp: This is a FEE PAY Day Use Area. Please register and insert $5.00 into the self-serve payment envelope and deposit into the fee tube. Visibly display permit on the dash of your vehicle. Payment is required for parking and or boat launch, even if the dock is out. 

Pilgrim Creek Road (13) is Open.   Debris flow can be ongoing during extended high temperature events, causing rapid melt of snow and glacier ice. Mud Creek Closure is still a Forest Order. No stopping or using the land in Mud Creek. See Forest Orders.  

 Please remember, by Forest Order there is NO camping allowed outside of designated paid developed campgrounds along the McCloud River Loop from Highway 89 to just east of Cattle Camp. 

California campfire permits can be obtained online for free at:  www.preventwildfireca.org  

Camping

• Lower Falls Day Use Area: Open. No camping allowed in day use areas.
• Lakin Dam Day Use Area: Open
• Algoma C.G.: Open.
  • Just a few user-created sites and a dry vault toilet and tables. no piped water. no fee.
  • 7 day stay limit.
  • The new Algoma Bridge has a posted weight limit.
• Ah-Di-Na: Open.
  • Located on the Lower McCloud River at an elevation of 2300 feet, this remote campground has 16 sites with tables and fire rings, flush toilets, and drinking water.
  • The dirt access road from Lake McCloud is very rough and rocky. Low clearance vehicles, trailers, and RVs are not advised. 14 day limit. $10 per night.
  • No reservations.
• Camp 4 Group Site: Open.
  • This is a reservation only site for Group Camping. You can reserve this group site at recreation.gov., until November 1st.
• Cattle Camp: Open.
  • There are 27 sites with tables, fire-rings, water, and toilets.
  • $15.00 per night.
  • 14 day stay limit.
  • Campers must self-register at the campground entrance. No reservations. Dogs must be leashed.
• Fowlers: Open.
  • There are 39 sites with tables, fire-rings, water, bear lockers, and toilets.
  • $15.00 per night.
  • 14 day stay limit.
  • 31 of the sites are reservation only. Reservations can be made up to no less than three days in advance to arrival date, at recreation.gov. Eight additional sites are available on a first-come basis.
  • Dogs must be leashed.
• Ash Camp:  Open. Limited Access.
  • Travel at your own risk. Sharp rocks on roadway.
• Trout Creek: Closed for a couple more weeks due to logging and cleanup operations.
  • A few user-created sites, no fee, no piped water. first come only.
  • 14 days stay limit.
  • No trash/garbage service. You must pack out your trash.
• Harris Springs: Open. Not accessible during winter snow.
  • There are no toilets, piped water, or trash/garbage service. Visitors must pack out all trash and bury human waste appropriately.
• Star City CG: Temporarily CLOSED for public safety. Signs are posted and please stay out during closure.
  • This is a primitive CG, walk in only.
  • Do not move the boulders and drive into the CG or through the lake bed when the water is low.
  • Do not camp on private property around the lake.
  • No fires at any time, but you may have a gas stove, lantern or BBQ with a California Campfire permit, no charcoal.
  • There is no restroom, dispose of human waste properly.
  • There is also no trash pick-up at this site.
  • Please pack out what you pack in.

Dispersed Camping 

Remember to dispose of human waste properly.  Deposit solid human waste in cat holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep and at a minimum 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the hole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and feminine hygiene products. PACK OUT what you Pack IN and LEAVE NO TRACE.  We are seeing a lot of littering around the unit, please clean up when you leave.

Lookout Rentals

• Girard Ridge:  Open.
  • Please go to www.recreation.gov for reservation information.
  • The lookout is at about 5000' and has spectacular views of Mount Shasta and Castle Crags. There is a wood stove, fire pit, pit toilet, and a bed with a mattress.
  • Once reserved you must call for the combination no sooner than one week from the date of occupancy.
  • Check-out/in is at 12:00 p.m.
• Little Mount Hoffman: Open.
  • Please go to www.recreation.gov for reservation information.
  • From a height of 7,309 feet, Little Mt. Hoffman offers a spectacular view of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lassen, Mt. McLaughlin, and a variety of other interesting landforms. The lookout is equipped with a wood stove, firewood, two cots, shovel, bucket, cleaning gear, and a fire extinguisher. The lookout has no water or electricity. There is an outdoor barbecue pit, a picnic table, and vault toilet for your use.
  • Once reserved you must call for the combination no sooner than one week from the date of occupancy.
  • Check-out/in is at 12:00 p.m. 

Roads

• McCloud River Loop Road: Open.
• The Hawkins Creek Rd. (11) Open.
• Military Pass Road: Open. High Clearance vehicles recommended.
• The KC (31) road is closed at the Mud Creek Crossing.
• Harris Spring Road (15): Open.
• The Powder Hill Road (49) to Medicine Lake. Medicine Lake may not be accessible until the end of June. Please drive slowly and navigate around the potholes whenever possible to reduce damage to your vehicle or trailer. Vehicles with trailers may wish to try another route and motorcyclists must be extra careful.

OHV and Snowmobile Use: 

Please Maintain Your OHV sites for Future Enjoyment

• Off road, motor cycles, quads, side by sides or all-terrain vehicles should stay on the dirt roads, do not drive cross-country or off of the dirt roads.
• Please do not cause damage to the roadways or banks by spinning donuts.  When you create ruts or damage the roadways, it stays for years, promotes erosion and results in other harmful effects. Please be light on the land when driving on muddy or wet roads.
• For more information, please visit our OHV Site.

Snowmobiles

• For more information, please visit our Winter Sports Site.

Safety

• Always let someone know where you are going and bring enough supplies (food, water, chains, a shovel, warm clothes etc.) in case you get stuck, broken down, or lost.

Trails

• McCloud River Trail- This trail stretches from Lower Falls Day Use and Picnic Area fifteen miles to Algoma C.G.  Along the way you will experience three magnificent waterfalls the Upper, Middle, and Lower, Lakin Dam, and Cattle Camp Swimming Hole. McCloud River Trail

  The trail is mountain bike friendly and horses are welcome but may not venture downstream of the Upper Falls area.   Link to Order and Map PDF

• The Pacific Crest Trail runs through the District, over Bartle Gap, Grizzly Peak to Ash Camp then west to Castle Crags. PCT Access ROG McCloud Ranger District
• Yet Atwam Creek Trail:    This five-mile trail parallels Yet Atwam Creek and a short distance of Cabin Creek. The trail passes through a forest of mixed conifers and hardwoods.  It is approximately 4.5 miles long and takes about 2.5 hrs. to accomplish. NO Campfires allowed when we are in restrictions.  This is a beautiful trail with waterfalls, foaming rapids, and wide pools.  Remember to give other hikers/recreationists room.  Dogs must be on a leash.  The Pacific Crest Trail intersects the Yet Atwam Creek trail in about a quarter mile from the Cabin Creek trailhead and is a good starting point when hiking west. Squaw Creek Trail/Cabin Creek ROG
• Brewer Creek trailhead -  OPEN.
• Clear Creek trailhead- OPEN.

Fishing 

The "Res", as it is called by locals, is a popular fishing lake.  It has been inundated with larger boats as of late, please be respectful to smaller fishing boats, kayaks and paddle boards.  Remember that your wakes cause massive erosion to the banks of a beautiful lake.  

Facility Amenities and Price

• The boat launching facility has a vault style restroom at the boat ramp area with picnic tables and bear proof garbage cans.
• There is a $5 charge for day use of the facility whether you are using the dock/ramp or just parking for sight-seeing, bank fishing, or other activities.
• You may purchase an annual McCloud Reservoir Boat Ramp pass for $25 at the McCloud and/or Mount Shasta Ranger Stations.

Fishing Best Practices

• Please do not litter; Pack it in, Pack it out.
• When fishing from the banks or in a boat practice good fishing/boating etiquette, do not set up within casting distance from another bank fisherman, observe all boating safety laws, and give others space. 

Boat Ramp/Dock Safety and Etiquette

• Never consume alcohol or controlled substances while operating a boat.
• The longer parking spaces on the west side of the parking lot are for vehicles with boat trailers ONLY, do not park in them if you do not have a trailer even if the lot is getting full.
• Do not block the boat ramp in any way; the red slashed area means 'No Parking'. The dock and ramp areas are for the loading and unloading of boats only.
• Jumping from, fishing from, swimming near, and sun tanning on the dock is against Shasta-Trinity National Forest rules. Please do not place personal items on the ramp while fishing from the bank and there should be no one playing or present on the ramp itself whether it is being used or not.

Camping

• Camping near the Reservoir is subject to the two week stay limit.
• There is no camping or overnight parking at the boat ramp facility allowed, it is intended for day use only.
• Please do not camp on private land.

Daily Lake Level

Check the daily lake level report (posted by the Bureau of Reclamation at Shasta Dam).

Closures

Madrone and Chirpchatter Campgrounds and Potem Falls Trail, along with the surrounding area, are closed due to the Green Fire

Fisherman's Point Day Use Area is closed nightly to vehicles from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.

Deep Creek Campground is inaccessible by vehicle due to storm damage. Do Not Attempt To Pass.

Camping

Please keep in mind that campsites must be occupied the first night and cannot be left unattended over 24 hours thereafter. Camping stay limits are in effect for all campgrounds. Call the Shasta Lake Ranger Station for information at (530) 275-1587.                  

Marinas

Antlers Resort and Marina, Bridge Bay Resort, Digger Bay, Holiday Harbor, Jones Valley Resort, Shasta Marina at Packers Bay, and Silverthorn Resort.

Trails

Due to winter storms, trails may have debris and other obstacles on the path, caution is advised. When hiking the trails at Shasta Lake please regularly examine yourself for ticks and remove ticks promptly.

Bears

Please take necessary precautions, such as using bear-resistant lockers for food storage and removing garbage from the campsites immediately.

Mountain Lions

A mountain lion has been seen and encountered near Packers Bay on Shasta Lake.  Please remain vigilant when hiking trails in the vicinity of Shasta Lake.  More information on what to do if you encounter a mountain lion.

Bald Eagles

January through July is the bald eagle nesting season. Early in the nesting season, you may see the eagles repairing their nest and participating in courtship behavior. Once the eggs are laid, they will be incubated for approximately 35 days before the chicks hatch. While both adults share in the incubation duties, the female generally does most of the incubation. Once hatched, the chicks remain in the nest for approximately 12 weeks before they begin to fly on their own.

Eagle observers are reminded that state and federal laws protect bald eagles and their nest sites. Disturbance around the nest could cause the birds to abandon the nest or discourage them from using the nest in the future. Please enjoy them from a distance. One of the best areas for eagle viewing is on the Pit Arm of Shasta Lake. Anyone observing eagles building a new nest should contact the Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area Biologist Todd Johnson at (530) 242-5550.

Vandalism and personal/construction trash dumping at Campgrounds and Day Use Areas continue to be a problem along the Trinity River Scenic Byway. You may reserve campsites within the Trinity River Management Unit at Recreation.gov or there are a few first come first serve sites reserved at each campground. 

Developed Campgrounds: (call ahead to check on status)

• Big Flat Campground - has no water.
• Burnt Ranch Campground
• Denny Campground
• Hayden Flat Campground - has no water.
• Hobo Gulch Campground
• Pigeon Point Campground - has no water.
• Ripstein Campground

Group Campgrounds

• East Weaver Group Campground – May 1-September 30 – Operated by Shasta Recreation Company. Can be reserved through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) at 1-877-444-6777 or online at Recreation.gov.
• Hayden Flat Group Campground - Available Year-Round.
• Pigeon Point Group Campground – Available Year-Round.
• Skunk Point Group Campground – Available Year-Round - Can be reserved through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) at 1-877-444-6777 or online on Recreation.gov.

Day Use Areas

Clark Springs Campground, Day Use Area, Beach and Boat Ramp are closed to the public to support firefighting operations. Additionally, water scooping aircraft are refilling out of Trinity Lake. Boaters are asked to maintain a safe distance from these aircraft.

There is no trash pick-up due to excessive household dumping. Please pack out your trash.

• Cedar Flat - Restroom Open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend
• Big Bar- No restroom
• East Weaver - Restroom Open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend
• Whites Bar- Restroom Open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend

**While campgrounds and day-use areas listed above remain accessible and/or open for the winter season, there is limited trash pick-up and the facilities are not cleaned/maintained or are locked. Camps and campgrounds could be inaccessible due to snow or other hazardous conditions during the winter months, but this is particularly true for those at higher elevations.

Trails

Hiking trails on the TRMU remain open year-round unless there are forest closures in effect. Some trails may not be accessible if roads are blocked by snow or other hazards. Trails may be covered in snow or ice during the winter months, be muddy, and potentially be impassible due to debris or downed trees, or affected by wildfires and/or smoke in the summer and fall. Plan accordingly: Take traction devices (e.g., microspikes, hiking poles, etc.) for hiking in the snow and ice, be prepared for water crossings, and take a map (and/or a GPS navigation device) for wayfinding at places where the trails are overgrown or otherwise difficult to locate. Remember to take plenty of water, food, light, extra batteries, and make sure to layer your clothing to meet different weather conditions while on the trails.  Contact the Weaverville Ranger Station at (530) 623-2121 if you wish to volunteer.

Weaver Basin Trail System

The Weaver Basin Trail System (WBTS) has several trailheads in the Weaverville area that access approximately 40 miles of multi-use trails on Forest Service, BLM and private land within the Weaverville Community Forest.  This trail system provides users with a sense of wilderness adventure with close proximity to a hot shower, a good meal and comfortable accommodations at the end of the day.  During times of storms and after, the water will surge and become swift, potentially making unsafe and impassible conditions on several of the trails. Be sure to use caution and judgment before crossing and turn around if you aren’t comfortable.  A WBTS trail application is available at Weaver Basin Trail System Map Web Application.

Trinity Alps Wilderness

Recreators are asked to stay away from trails and trailheads in the Long Canyon, Four Lakes Loop, Stoney Ridge, Stuart Fork, Swift Creek, Granite Peak, and North Fork Swift Creek as these will be primary access routes for firefighters. Please be advised that there will be increased fire traffic on Hwy 3. Swift Complex (Peak and Lick Fires) Information

Access may be inhibited by impassable roads and trails due to snow and rocks or wildfire.  Many of the trails have logs crossing the trails. 

Getting Permits: To stay overnight in the Trinity Alps, you will need both a wilderness permit and a campfire permit. These are available at outdoor “kiosks” located at the Weaverville Ranger Station (360 Main St) and Fire Stations (Mule Creek & Coffee Creek off Hwy 3 AND Junction City & Big Bar off Hwy 299). Campfire permits are also available online at www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/

Trail Conditions: Call 530-623-2121 and listen to recorded message on “phone tree” for conditions. Also, check the Facebook Group "Trinity Alps Wilderness Pictures & Information" for “unofficial” hiker-posted conditions and photos. These are as current as is possible.

A bridge is out on the southern access road (37N55) to Poison Canyon Trailhead, the trailhead can be accessed from the north (37N55), however there is a landslide approximately 0.5 miles before the trailhead.

Maps Trinity Alps Wilderness Map store.usgs.gov/product/116404

Roads

At any given time during the year, forest roads on the Trinity River Management Unit may be impacted by wildfire, rockfall, fallen trees or branches or other debris. Always be alert, aware and prepared for potentially hazardous driving conditions. During times of inclement weather, these hazards are more pronounced and you may also encounter snow, ruts, mudslides, and ice. Carry safety (shovel, chains, etc.) and emergency equipment (blankets, water, extra food) in your car at all time and know an alternate route to and from your destination. Use caution and turn around if the driving conditions become uncomfortable to you. There are many places on the TRMU with no cell phone service, so keep that in mind as you plan your route and adventure. Be sure to consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map for the Weaverville Ranger Districts to familiarize yourself with road information.

For road conditions along State Route 3 and 299 visit CalTrans QuickMap for the current conditions by visiting quickmap.dot.ca.gov.

Recent storm events over the holidays have caused road damage throughout the area on county, private, and USFS managed roads. Please drive with caution, be prepared for inclement weather, make sure someone knows where you are going and when you are expected back.

Roads

Wild Mad Road Closure

At any given time during the year, forest roads on the SFMU may be impacted by rockfall, fallen trees or branches, or other debris. Always be alert, aware, and prepared for potentially hazardous driving conditions. During times of inclement weather, these hazards are more pronounced and you may also encounter deep snow, ruts, mudslides, ice, and other hazards. Carry safety (shovel, chains, etc.) and emergency equipment (blankets, water, extra food) in your car at all times, and know an alternate route to and from your destination. Use caution and turn around if the driving conditions become uncomfortable to you. There are many places on the SFMU with no cell phone service, so keep that in mind as you plan your route and adventure.

While each year is different, snow can start as early as October at the higher locations, such as South Fork Mountain, Indian Valley, the Dubakellas, Big Creek Road (Road 16), roads going North out of Hyampom, and areas off of Hwy 36 near the Harrison Gulch Ranger Station leading to the Deer Lick Springs area going north, or the toward the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness and Tomhead, going south. Roads with snow at some of these locations can be impassible even with 4WD vehicles.

The valley floors can get snow starting in November, but more likely into December or January. Again, this all depends on the year and the current weather patterns.

For access road conditions along State Route 3 and 36 visit CalTrans QuickMap for the current conditions by visiting https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.

Forest roads on the SFMU are not maintained in the winter. Seasonal maintenance of forest roads on the SFMU generally starts in early spring.

Call the Hayfork Ranger Station for more information on road conditions at any time of the year (numbers listed below).

Motor Vehicle Use

Some trails that prohibit motorized vehicles are being damaged from such use. Be sure to consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for the Hayfork and Yolla Bolla Districts to make sure you are riding/driving in an area that is designated for such use. 

The following developed campgrounds on the SFMU are usually open seasonally. The open season is typically Memorial Day to Labor Day.

• Hell Gate
• Basin Gulch
• Shiell Gulch
• Philpot, previously designated a campground, is now designated a picnic area. It is open seasonally, Memorial Day to Labor Day
• Forest Glen

While dispersed camps/sites and the other campgrounds listed below remain accessible and/or open for the winter season, there is no trash pick-up and the facilities are not cleaned/maintained or they are locked. All camps and campgrounds could be inaccessible due to snow or other hazardous conditions during the winter months, but this is particularly true for those at higher elevations.

• Big Slide
• Slide Creek
• Scott Flat
• Deer Lick Springs (road to campground may be inaccessible during the winter months)

Please be sure to take your trash with you when you leave if you access any of these sites.

Roads to the following sites are inaccessible during snow and winter conditions.

• White Rock
• Beegum Gorge
• Tomhead Saddle
• Pickett Peak

Forest Glen Guard Station (recreational rental cabin)

Forest Glen Guard Station is typically open from the mid-April to the first week in December. Reservations can be made and more information can be found on Recreation.Gov – www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234405. Reservations can be made six (6) months in advance. The cabin may close early or open late due to weather, or be closed due to wildfires in the area, in which case guests who already have a reservation will be notified.

Post Creek Guard Station (recreational rental cabin)

Post Creek Guard Station is typically open from mid- or late-May until the end of October or beginning of November. Reservations can be made and more information can be found on Recreation.Gov at www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234404. Reservations can be made up to six (6) months in advance. The cabin may close early or open late due to weather, or be closed due to wildfires in the area, in which case guests who already have a reservation will be notified.

Trails

Hiking trails on the SFMU remain open year-round unless there are forest closures in effect. Please call the Hayfork Ranger Station to learn about any current closures. Trails at higher elevations, particularly those in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness, can be inaccessible due to snow on access roads in the late fall, winter, and early spring. Trails with creek crossings (South Fork National Recreation Trail, Bear Creek Trail, and East Tule Trail, are often inaccessible or difficult to access in the winter and spring months due to swift and high water flows or other hazardous conditions. Be prepared.

Trails may be covered in snow or ice during the winter months, be muddy, and potentially impassible due to debris or downed trees. Plan accordingly: Take traction devices (e.g., microspikes, hiking poles, snowshoes, etc.) for hiking in the snow and ice, be prepared for water crossings, and take a map (and/or a GPS navigation device) for wayfinding at places where the trails are overgrown or otherwise difficult to locate. Remember to take plenty of water, food, light, extra batteries, and make sure to layer your clothing to meet different weather conditions while on the trails.

Trail maintenance on the SFMU usually begins around June but can begin earlier if conditions permit, or start later if trail access is difficult.

South Fork National Recreation Trail - Scott Flat Trailhead closed

The swinging footbridge at the Scott Flat Trailhead is temporarily closed pending maintenance. No date for re-opening has been set. Please access the trailhead off of the 1S26 Road.

To get to the 1S26 Road, follow CA Hwy 36 to Forest Glen. (Google maps will show Forest Glen, but do not rely on a mapping program or car GPS to find the 1S26  Road.) If traveling west on CA Hwy 36, directly past Forest Glen campground which is on the right or north side of the Hwy, cross over the South Fork Trinity River Bridge and make the first left onto Forest Road 1S26. The road is numbered but you will not see the brown forest road marker until you have turned onto this road. (If traveling east, this road will turn right (south) before crossing over the bridge. If you pass Forest Glen Campground, you have gone too far and need to turn around.)

Forest Road 1S26 is a dirt/gravel forest road. There will be a red and green cabin that sits to the right after turning onto this road, a bridge that crosses over Glen Creek, and several more cabins on the riverside.

Access to the trailhead can be made with a passenger vehicle, with caution going over rocks in a couple of areas. A passenger vehicle is not advised for continued travel on this road past the trailhead.

Continue on 1S26 Road for 1.5 miles. At this point, there will be a sign leaning on a tree with mileage to several other locations, but also indicating it is the trailhead. At this    point, turn around and park in the wide spots that are just a few feet back down the 1S26 Road. Walk back up the road to the point of the sign and proceed down the road and around the gate, which is where the trail begins.

Do not block access to the gate at the beginning of the trail. Doing so makes your vehicle subject to tow.

For longer-term or horse and trailer parking, consider parking across the road and toward the highway from the red cabin at the beginning of the 1S26 Road where there are turnouts. Do NOT park in front of or on the side of the cabin. These parking spots are reserved for guests of this rental cabin. If parking here, it will be necessary to walk (or ride) the 1.5 miles to the trailhead on the 1S26 Road.

There is no bridge at Farley Creek necessitating a water crossing. The bridge at Collins Creek is in disrepair and a water crossing may be necessary; Marie Creek requires a water crossing. In the summer months, these creeks are easily crossable; in the winter months, the water may run high and be swift. The confluence of Farley Creek with the South Fork National Recreation Trail can run very swiftly making this water crossing dangerous during heavy rains and melting snow. Always use caution and judgment before any water crossing and turn around if you aren’t comfortable and confident.

Bear Creek Trail

The Bear Creek Trail is open year-round. There could be snow on the trail and debris, branches, and trees on and across the trail during the winter months and in the spring before trail maintenance occurs. About a mile up the trail it will be necessary to cross Bear Creek. During and after storms, the confluence of Bear Creek and Hayfork Creek can become deep and very swift when the water surges. Use caution and judgment before crossing, or, turn around.  

East Tule Trail

East Tule Trail is open year-round. During the winter months on heavy snow years, the trailhead likely will be inaccessible due to snow on the road leading to the trailhead. Use caution if trying to access the trailhead during inclement weather and if there is snow in the forecast. Be prepared for a water crossing at points on the trail, and snow and debris/trees across the trail during winter months and until debris is cleaned up during trail maintenance in the spring. At certain points, the trail is overgrown and difficult to locate.

Wilderness Areas

Chanchellula Wilderness

Trails into the Chanchellula Wilderness are typically not accessible in the winter and early spring months due to snow and deadfall on the roads. During warmer months, even in the spring and fall, the east-facing slope on the trail leading to the Chanchellula Peak can have uncomfortably warm temperatures. You may also experience strong winds on this trail, which can be quite cold in cooler weather, hot in warmer weather. Make sure to take plenty of water no matter the temperature and dress in layers. Starting from the Midas Gap trailhead is recommended. There are places on the trail from Potato Creek where it is overgrown and difficult to locate, especially in the snow.

Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness

Trails in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness usually become accessible in late spring; trail maintenance typically begins in June. While trails may be accessible before June, expect deadfall across the trails and be prepared to go over, under, or around these fallen trees. Roads around Stuart Gap and trails in the area of Black Rock Lake and Black Rock Mountain in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness were affected by the Buck Fire in fall of 2017.  Areas near Tomhead Mountain and in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness near South Fork Cottonwood Creek were affected by the South Fire in 2019.

Information

For more information on roads or trails on the SFMU, please call the Hayfork Ranger Station at (530) 628-5227.

Campfire Permits

Remember that campfire permits are required year-round for fires or to use camping or backpacking stoves anywhere in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest (and other national forests in California). Permits expire on December 31st of the year they are issued. You can get a free campfire permit by visiting any Forest Service ranger station in California, or by visiting the Prevent Wildfire website. Remember to check for before you visit any national forest.