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Mendocino National Forest

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Recreational Activities

So Much To Do & See...

[Graphic]: Entering Mendocino National Forest Want to kick back and relax under shady pines by a sparkling lake? Looking for a "base camp" for a day of hiking, rock climbing, boating, fishing, or swimming? Want to just get out of the house for the day for a nice picnic in the great outdoors? If so, the Mendocino National Forest can offer you that and more! Offering nearly one million acres for your enjoyment, relaxation, and exploration, you can experience the solitude of the wilderness or enjoy camping near others in developed campgrounds. Camp in densely forested woodlands or open meadows, discover secluded flats along river banks and enjoy panoramic views of majestic mountains. A continuing goal of the Mendocino National Forest is to ensure accessible recreational opportunities are available to persons with disabilities.

Recreation News

January 14, 2009 - The water system at Fouts Springs has been shut off for repairs and no water will be available at the site. Forest visitors in this area will need to bring water with them for both potable use, including drinking, as well as for any other needs. In addition to the Fouts Springs site, this shut-off will affect the Davis Flats Staging Area.

Weekly Recreation Report - General recreational information about the Mendocino National Forest, updated weekly during the summer and when there is new or changed information during the winter months. January 9^th Update »

The lands that the Forest Service recently acquired are currently open to the general public and available for hunting and other recreational activities. We are in the process of removing the old "No Hunting or Trespassing" signs posted throughout the area.

There are still some private lands within the area that are not open to the public. New maps should be available shortly which will show the private holdings within or adjacent to this area. If you have any questions please contact the Grindstone Ranger District Office at (530) 934-3316 or TTY (530) 934-7724.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS : Fire Restrictions were terminated on the Mendocino National Forest October 4, 08.

The majority of the recreation fees collected stay on the forest and go right back into operating, maintaining and improving the recreational opportunities visitors use and value the most - campgrounds, developed day use sites, boat ramps, trails, rental cabins and lookouts, and much more. Funds are also used to provide enhanced services such as interpretive programs, visitor information , and transportation systems. Take a look at the 2006 Forest Accomplishment Report for specific details on how your fees were used.

QUESTIONS or COMMENTS: Browse our Frequently Asked Questions section or the Recreation Guides to find the answers to commonly asked questions. To evaluate our service or if you need additional information about the Mendocino National Forest, please use our online form to expedite your inquiry.

Additional Resources:
Recreation.Gov, the one-stop site for information on federal lands. Photos and information on federal recreation areas, facilities and opportunities: thousands of campsites, cabins, parks, and tours. Make your reservations on-line.

Rattlesnake Fire Memorial & Interpretive Site

[Photograph]: Grindstone Overlook Memorial. In 1993 the Mendocino National Forest commemorated the anniversary of the Rattlesnake Fire with a memorial service at the Grindstone Overlook on Forest Highway 7, which was attended by some of the surviving firefighters and many family members and friends of those who died July 9, 1953. A large boulder bearing a plaque with the names of the fallen firefighters was dedicated. A kiosk at the Overlook states that the tragic loss on the Rattlesnake Fire spurred the Forest Service to increase firefighter training and research on fire hazard management.

[Photograph]: Rattlesnake Fire Overlook Memorial. The Rattlesnake Fire Overlook, a new interpretive and training site that overlooks the location of the fire in Grindstone Canyon, features exhibits describing the events of the fire and lessons learned from the tragedy. Nearby is a new parking area leading to a trail that travels the routes taken by the firefighters who died and those who survived. The site was dedicated during ceremonies on Saturday, July 9^th, 2005.

Those wishing to support the project may send donations to:

c/o Glenn County Fire Chiefs Association
445 South Butte Street M
Willows, Ca. 95988

Inquiries regarding the project may be directed to the Grindstone Ranger District at (530) 934-3316, or TTY (530) 934-7724.

Pine Mountain Lookout

[Graphic]: A Fire Lookout. This rustic lookout was constructed on the western shoulder of Pine Mountain overlooking the Van Arsdale area. It is located on an outcrop at 4000 feet in elevation, within a mixed conifer forest consisting of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, black oak and madrone. Bucknell Creek and the Eel River are the major drainage's in the area. The historic town of Upper Lake is approximately 19 miles to the south and the Lake Pillsbury recreation area is seven miles to the northeast. The Lookout can be rented from May 17 to September 30. Reservations can be made through the Recreation.gov web site. More information about Pine Mountain Lookout.

Hunting & Fishing

With the exception of private holdings and State game refuges, most of the Forest is open to hunting and fishing in accordance with California Department of Fish and Game Regulations.

Help Us Protect Your Forests

[Graphic]: Pack It In - Pack It Out. Please help us preserve and protect the Mendocino National Forest. Try to leave natural areas the way you find them, by practicing "Leave No Trace" conservation ethics. Do not carve, chop, cut and damage any live trees. They have done nothing to deserve this treatment, and damaged trees cheapen the natural experience for others. Try to leave your camp or picnic site a little cleaner than you found it; the next visitor will thank you.

There are campgrounds on the Mendocino National Forest that use the Pack it In, Pack it Out program for dealing with waste. This means that garbage cans are not provided. Campers are asked to bring their own garbage bags and take their garbage with them when leaving the campsite. While this seems like an inconvenience, the funds saved are used to provide additional recreational facilities. Do not bury litter; forest animals can smell it and will dig it up.

(Page Modified 1/8/09 )

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