Shasta-Trinity National Forest

South Fork Management Unit

(Hayfork and Platina areas)

(Donna Harmon, District Ranger) - The large variety in terrain and ecosystems that exist on the South Fork Management Unit (SFMU) provide for a wide range of recreational opportunities.

The SFMU is based in Hayfork and contains the Hayfork and Yolla Bolla Ranger Districts. The SFMU encompasses over 590,000 acres. Three major streams from the primary watersheds within this area; the South Fork of the Trinity River, Hayfork Creek and Beegum Creek.

The SFMU is bounded along its western side by South Fork Mountain, one of the longest continuous ridgelines in North America. At the southern end of the unit are the Yolla Bolla Mountains and one of two wilderness areas with the unit, the Yolla Bolla/ Middle Eel Wilderness. Situated along the eastern side of the SFMU is the Chanchelulla Wilderness. The northern end of the unit is bounded by a series of ridgelines and peaks that include Pattison Peak, Hayfork Bally and Hayfork Divide.

The Chanchelulla Wilderness is the second of the two wilderness areas in the South Fork Management Unit, which provides opportunity for wilderness hiking and camping.

The South Fork of the Trinity is a rich resource with its serene beauty and its many recreational opportunities.

The large variety in terrain and ecosystems that exist in this area provides for a wide range of recreational opportunities. From old historic Ranger Station Cabin Rentals, developed tent / RV campsite facilities with running water and toilets, to tent camping at various undeveloped sites, all the way to true wilderness in two wilderness areas, a 40+ mile wild and scenic river corridor or numerous roadless areas. With this wide range of recreational opportunities, you should be able to find just the right one for your interests.

Organizational Overview

What's new in the Woods (News)

• Forest road 29N73 (Red Mountain Motorway). Forest road 29N73 (Red Mountain Motorway). In fall of 2007, the large multi-plate pipe that allowed a drivable crossing over the main tributary of Rattlesnake Creek (just off Hwy 36) on forest route 29N73 was removed due to pipe failure during 2006 storms. This pipe was also a fish passage barrier. The pipe removal is phase 1. Originally phase 2 was to be constructed in 2008 with either a low water crossing or a bridge spanning the stream. Due to the extreme cost and limited funding, the new crossing has been put on hold. At this time if you choose to drive on the 29N73, you must use the detour through 29N57 (Creek Road). This substantially increases the mileage and time through these routes. [Photos and map of project]

Recreation

• A complete listing of Recreation Opportunity Guides for activities on the South Fork Managment Unit is available in the Maps & Brochures section of our website.
• For general forest recreation information, visit the Recreation Activities section of our website.

Projects

Documentation for specific projects

Schedule of Proposed Environmental Action