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.
FOREST NEWS
Prescribed Burn Scheduled in Los Padres National Forest January 7
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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