US Forest Service

Mendocino National Forest

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Enjoy America's Great Outdoors!

[GRAPHIC]: Mendocino National Forest. Travel along one of the Mendocino National Forest's crest trails and you'll be treated to dramatic vistas over forest mountains and rugged river canyons. In the spring and early summer, blue lupine, bright orange poppies, red bud, bush lilac and brilliant array of other wildflowers enliven meadows and grasslands. Venture into the forest's more remote areas and find yourself surrounded by the quiet of the woodlands, mountain air redolent with the bouquet of fir and pine, and clean pure water.

The varied terrain of the Mendocino National Forest offers endless opportunities for all recreationists. The National Forest is a great place to visit, but there are some things you need to keep in mind as you head out to the woods.

We are never able to maintain every trail every year, so hikers need to be alert to such things as downed trees across a trail, unstable soil and rocks, and leaning trees or loose limbs over the trail. Hikers can help us by submitting an online Trail Report to let us know of any safety hazards, washouts, missing signs, or if the trail is in good condition. We can't guarantee that we'll be able to correct the hazard immediately, but we will share your report with others on the trail description pages.

Although most areas in the Forest are open to biking, there are a few places where you can not ride. Bikes are not permitted within the Wilderness Areas, or in areas specifically signed as off-limits to bikes. Many areas suitable for mountain biking are not maintained. Loose rocks, ruts, limbs and logs across routes, steep dropoffs, and other hazards are part of the sport of mountain biking. Please ride according to current conditions, be sure your speed is appropriate. Wear your helmet and gloves. Stay alert! Don't hesitate to dismount and walk when you are unsure of route conditions ahead of you. Ride with a buddy.

Weather in the mountains is unpredictable. Hypothermia and heat exhaustion can occur. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and plan for this factor into your trip. Carry water from home, or purify any water you extract from creeks or streams as giardia and other water-borne parasites do exist in water sources within the Forest.

[Photo]: Bike riders looking at map. During your outing, you may encounter hikers, bicyclists, vehicles, ATV's and people on horseback. Make sure they know you're there, slow down and yield the right of way if in doubt. Horses are easily spooked by things that are strange to them, including bikes. Exercise common courtesy to ensure that all users will continue to co-exist in harmony in the years to come

If you are in areas that you have never been before, make sure to take along appropriate maps. Let someone know where you are going and the approximate time you expect to return. Lastly, whenever and wherever you go, be sensitive to the impacts that you can cause to the land and other users. Be safe, and have fun!

(Page Modified 4/28/08 )

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