Where to go in N. Cal?

Where abouts in northern Cal? Be carefull where you go, There are a lot of pot gardens in the woods here. Last year, the Forestry told the Rangers not to go too far out in the woods. I live about three hours north of San Francisco, Lake county. I live at the southern tip of the Mendocino National forest, Lots of places to hike and camp, Just got to be carefull this time of year.
 
Yeah, i know some about the mj crop situation there...but know nothing first hand as you prob. do. I'm not against the people, on the otherhand i would like to leave my bullet-proof vest at home. Are you saying that these farmers occupy much of the public forests?
 
If you want mountains, then check out Desolation Wilderness or something around Mt. Shasta. Mendocino NF is nice, as Johnny Reb pointed out, especially if you head up higher onto the mountains. If you want coast then there's a ton to choose from, but look around the Ft. Bragg area if you want less people.

I guess it just depends on what you're looking for and how far you're willing to travel.
 
Anywhere in the sierra's! How far north are you talking?

Car camping or backpacking?

Sierra/Sequoia national forest, desolation wilderness, etc.
 
How far north and how long of a hike. As mentioned, the Desolation Wilderness, John Muir Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Big Sur Station to China Camp,or just hop on the PCT where it's most convenient.
 
My range is pretty open, as far north as cresent city...I'm trying to stay out of the "desert-ie" areas though. I'd be backpacking on foot mostly.
Thanks for all the suggestions!
 
Wow, ok, so as far north as you can. What is your southern limit?

Are you wanting to stay near the coast, or in the Mountains towards Nevada?
 
redwood basin, strawberry for car camping, east side of the sierra is AWESOME and NO ONE goes there- they even still allow dispersed camping. the redwood empire along the coast is nice once you get north of the SF commuter sprawl. Mad River drainage is so sweet, too. I personally don't worry much about the pot farms so much- you have to really hike in pretty far or around BLM land to find that. (with the eureka exception.)


(someone will now flame me for a fool and tell me about the 5000 people that were massacred last week in the pot farm growing in the middle of a ranger station and car campground at a national park. consider me flamed.)
 
You could visit one of the least visited National Parks in California, Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Plenty of car camping opportunities in and around the park. Plus over 150 miles of trails in the back-country for back-packing. Caribou Wilderness, a small wilderness area, borders the park to the east. Caribou Wilderness

Lodging isn't available in the park, but in Mineral or Chester. There's also a guest ranch at Drakesbad on the south edge of the park, too.

Drakesbad Guest Ranch
 
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Lassen is a great N.P. to visit, and the Redwoods N.P. has some good backpacking opportunities. I don't know much about the BLM or FS roads there, but I imagine there must be some great spots to launch from.
 
koyote said:
redwood basin, strawberry for car camping, east side of the sierra is AWESOME and NO ONE goes there- they even still allow dispersed camping. the redwood empire along the coast is nice once you get north of the SF commuter sprawl. Mad River drainage is so sweet, too. I personally don't worry much about the pot farms so much- you have to really hike in pretty far or around BLM land to find that. (with the eureka exception.)


(someone will now flame me for a fool and tell me about the 5000 people that were massacred last week in the pot farm growing in the middle of a ranger station and car campground at a national park. consider me flamed.)
Click to expand...

I agree that the MJ grower threat is over hyped and I am in Mendocino County. Atleast on public land. If I had a chance to go backpacking right now I would probably hit the Lost Coast. If you want cool weather stick to the coast.

Matt
 
Another wilderness area that hasn't been mentioned and doesn't see too many visitors is the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness. Late Spring and early Summer are the best times to visit. During late Summer and early Fall water and heat are an issue.

Yolla Bolly
 
If you are willing to look a little further south in the Sierras, I am rather fond of Sequoia/Kings Canyon. I have posted many pictures of this area in this forum.
 
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