Los Padres National Forest

Welcome

Los Padres National Forest encompasses nearly two million acres in the beautiful coastal mountains of central California. The forest stretches across almost 220 miles from the Big Sur Coast in Monterey County to the western edge of Los Angeles County. more information »

LOS PADRES ITEMS OF INTEREST

Morning snow, Chuchupate Ranger Station, Dec. 18, 2008.

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FOREST NEWS

Forest Service Announces Winter Road Closures and Safety Tips December 11

Pine Mountain/Reyes Peak Road Closed December 11

Fire Restrictions Reduced in Los Padres National Forest Starting December 5; Monterey District Closure Modified December 2

Eight Santa Barbara County Residents Banned from National Forests for One Year for Violating Fires Restrictions December 1

Forest Service Reduces Gap Area Closure; Some Popular Areas May Remain Off-limits Through Fall 2009 October 28

Popular Forest Road Above Fillmore Reopens September 8

Forest Service to Lift a Portion of Fire Closure in Monterey County at Midnight Tonight August 29

Forest Closure in Northern Santa Barbara County to be Lifted August 22; National Forest Lands in Monterey County Remain Closed August 21

Do You Know about the Adventure Pass?

Wherever you live in Southern California, you're just a short drive away from a spectacular wildland adventure - recreating in the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres, and San Bernardino National Forests! Here you will find mountains as high as 11,500 feet, canyons, vast forests, lakes, waterfalls, rivers and streams, and a wealth of recreation activities - all waiting for you.

In Los Padres National Forest you can enjoy hiking, camping, mountainbiking, off-highway vehicle travel, picnicking, winter snowplay, cross-country skiing and many other activities. Your national forest lands are a unique and precious resource, yours to enjoy and take care of so that they will always be there...for present and future generations.

The Recreation Fee Program, which includes the Adventure Pass, helps:

• Conserve, protect, and restore natural and heritage resources
• Enhance the visitor experiences by improving recreation opportunities and services

Many of the facilities and services in Los Padres National Forest are free. Some areas and facilities do require the Adventure Pass or other fees to help maintain, manage and improve the amenities that you enjoy. Learn more about the Adventure Pass program and other recreation passes that might meet your needs as you enjoy your public lands. more on the Aventure Pass »

Los Padres Project Wins National "Kids in the Woods" Grant

The FamCamp project on the Santa Barbara Ranger District is among 16 projects nationwide selected for special funding under the Forest Service "Kids in the Woods" program. Through the FamCamp partnership, entire families with children 6-12 years old are introduced to camping and environmental education activities in Los Padres National Forest. FamCamp partners include: the Los Padres Forest Association, Santa Barbara Botanic Barden, Boys and Girls Club, Santa Barbara Zoo, University of California School of Education, Santa Barbara Unified School District and the Rocky Mountain Recreation Company. news release »

Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center

Located just 8 miles north from Ojai on Highway 33 at 17017 Maricopa Highway, the Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center is the gateway to the southern Los Padres National Forest.

Invasive Weeds - A Real Problem

No matter who you are or where you live, invasive weeds affect your way of life. Widespread infestations reduce productivity and value of the land. While weeds have long been recognized as a problem in agriculture, they pose an ever increasing threat to the integrity of all wildland ecosystems. more Information »

Check out the Geology Section!!

The Los Padres has many amazingly beautiful locations and vistas that exhibit spectacular geology. Massive beach cliffs are being eroded by waves along the Big Sur Coastline, while tectonic forces continue to build the mountains of the Transverse and Coast Ranges. more information »

Elements of a Prescribed Burn

Prescribed fire is the planned and controlled use of fire to accomplish specific land management goals. This prescribed burn project is used as a photographic explanation how and why these prescribed fires are performed. photographs & information »

Sudden Oak Death

An aggressive disease called "Sudden Oak Death" (SOD) is killing our native oaks in many areas along the California coast, including Big Sur.

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