Mendocino National Forest in California announced the reopening of off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails and the Deer Valley Campground following a closure that began in mid-February due to significant storm damage, according to a Lake County News report. Forest officials are urging visitors to exercise caution during their visits.
Mendocino National Forest, unique among California’s 18 national forests, offers an experience of tranquility and solitude. Spanning over 913,306 acres, this vast forest stretches approximately 65 miles in length and 35 miles in width. Within its bounds lies the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, established in 2015, which occupies the forest’s southern region. This feature adds to the forest’s allure for those seeking a serene outdoor adventure away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The reopening was on March 16, after the end of a month-long effort to repair and clear the affected areas.
The Upper Lake Ranger District’s OHV trails and Deer Valley Campground had been inaccessible to the public as a result of the extensive damage caused by the storms.
One campsite within the Deer Valley Campground will not be available to visitors. This site suffered damage from a fallen tree that destroyed a picnic table.
Deer Valley Campground charges a fee of $6, does not provide water, but it offers vault restrooms. It is operated by the Forest Service and is accessible via County Road 301 (Forest Road M-1) and Forest Road 16N01, with alternative routes provided due to Elk Mountain Road’s closure from winter storm damage. The roads leading to the campground are narrow and require a high-clearance 4WD vehicle for access, with no trailers allowed.
Campground camping at Deer Valley includes 7 sites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, catering to those seeking a rustic camping experience. The lack of water facilities underscores the need for campers to come prepared.
Elevation within the Mendocino National Forest varies dramatically, from the low of 750 feet in the Grindstone Creek Canyon, located in the Sacramento Valley foothills at the forest’s eastern edge, to the high of 8,092 feet at South Yolla Bolly Mountain in the northern expanse.
The average elevation is around 4,000 feet, offering diverse landscapes and ecosystems that cater to a wide range of outdoor activities and experiences, from hiking and camping to wildlife observation.
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