Date Hiked: March 24, 2021
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Description:
The Monterey Ranger District Forest has partially reopened, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare opening other parts of the closed forest and are continuing their regular patrols. Today volunteer Rangers patrolled from Highway 1 to the Spruce Creek Jct. They removed two trees and inspected previous work done prior to the winter storms.
Trail conditions are as follows:
Trailhead to Spruce Creek Jct. - Clear, minor encroaching brush. Short section of trail has fallen away between second and third canyon crossing. See Photo.
Spruce Creek Jct. to Estrella Camp - Passable, clear down to Spruce Camp. Two trees to navigate between Spruce and Estrella Camps. Encroaching brush and off camber tread.
Estrella Camp to Coast Ridge Road - Passable, minor slides and encroaching brush.
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DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
THANK YOU FOR READING THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION - updated April 19, 2021
Highway One Closure: Due to a washout at Rat Creek, Highway 1 is closed from just north of Lime Creek Bridge in the north to Big Creek Vista Point in the south. Expect this closure to be in place until Friday, April 23, 2021. Nacimiento-Fergusson Road -- which connects Highway 1 at Kirk Creek with Fort Hunter Liggett on the eastern side of the Coast Ridge -- is significantly damaged and will be closed indefinitely.
What's Open: NEW: The Pine Ridge Trail from Big Sur Station to Redwood Camp IS OPEN effective April 13, 2021.
Effective January 22, 2021 U.S. Forest Service - Los Padres National Forest re-opened most unburned areas of the Monterey Ranger District. In the northern Ventana Wilderness, most lands north of and including the Marble Peak Trail are open. Wilderness trails inland can be accessed from the Arroyo Seco Recreation Area near Greenfield (off 101) and from Tassajara Road off or Carmel Valley Road). Along the coast, Wilderness trails may be accessed via the Pine Ridge Trail at Big Sur Station, the North Coast Ridge Road, the Boronda Trail, and the De Angulo Trail on Highway One.
Lands south of Willow Creek Road, including most of the Silver Peak Wilderness, are open.
What's Closed: Click here for a map that shows the current fire closure boundaries.
Road Closures: Del Venturi/Milpitas, Nacimiento-Fergusson, Cone Peak, Plaskett Ridge, Willow Creek/Los Burros, & South Coast Ridge Roads remain closed.
Know Before You Go: Not sure if a particular road, trail, or camp is open? Call the Monterey Ranger District at 831-385-5434. Please enjoy your public lands responsibly. Pack out everything you pack in (including toilet paper). Leave this special place better than you found it. Leave No Trace ethics are more important than ever.
Current Fire Restrictions: Campfires and stoves are currently permitted in the backcountry. Click here for a permit and take it with you.
State Parks: Check with individual State Parks to confirm access and for additional information.
Open for day use: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Garrapata State Park - Soberanes Canyon Trail, Andrew Molera State Park, Point Sur State Historic Park (tours only), and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Closed: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, John Little State Natural Reserve
Salmon Creek Trail
Re: Salmon Creek Trail
by VWA_Ranger on Thu Mar 25, 2021 9:21 am
- Attachments
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- Section of trail that has fallen away.
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VWA_Ranger - Posts: 51
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 4:41 pm
Re: Salmon Creek Trail
by VWA_Ranger on Wed Feb 17, 2021 9:45 pm
Date Hiked: February 16, 2021
General Condition: Passable (some brush and/or deadfalls, tread evident)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: PARTIALLY OPEN, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is partially open per Forest Order 05-07-51-21-02
Current Fire Restrictions: Campfires and Stoves are permitted in the backcountry with a valid Campfire/Stove Permit.
Description:
The Monterey Ranger District Forest has partially reopened, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare opening other parts of the closed forest and are continuing their regular patrols. This weekend volunteer Rangers and Ranger Trainees patrolled from Highway 1 to Estrella Camp. They cleaned Spruce and Estrella Camps. Removed inappropriate fire rings and trash. They put out an unattended fire left by carless campers. They talked to over 100 individuals, removed 6 trees that had fallen across the trail since the last storm. Water is available at both camps.
Trail conditions are as follows:
Highway 1 to Spruce Creek Jct. - Passable, the trail is for the most part clear, but there are still some downed trees to negotiate.
Spruce Creek Jct. to Spruce Camp - Passable. There is one 4 foot diameter tree across the trail just before the camp.
Spruce Camp to Estrella Camp - Passable. The trail is clear, but there are a few trees that one needs to negotiate.
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DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
General Condition: Passable (some brush and/or deadfalls, tread evident)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: PARTIALLY OPEN, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is partially open per Forest Order 05-07-51-21-02
Current Fire Restrictions: Campfires and Stoves are permitted in the backcountry with a valid Campfire/Stove Permit.
Description:
The Monterey Ranger District Forest has partially reopened, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare opening other parts of the closed forest and are continuing their regular patrols. This weekend volunteer Rangers and Ranger Trainees patrolled from Highway 1 to Estrella Camp. They cleaned Spruce and Estrella Camps. Removed inappropriate fire rings and trash. They put out an unattended fire left by carless campers. They talked to over 100 individuals, removed 6 trees that had fallen across the trail since the last storm. Water is available at both camps.
Trail conditions are as follows:
Highway 1 to Spruce Creek Jct. - Passable, the trail is for the most part clear, but there are still some downed trees to negotiate.
Spruce Creek Jct. to Spruce Camp - Passable. There is one 4 foot diameter tree across the trail just before the camp.
Spruce Camp to Estrella Camp - Passable. The trail is clear, but there are a few trees that one needs to negotiate.
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DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
- Attachments
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- 4 foot tree down just before Spruce Camp.
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- Tree across trail halfway between Spruce and Estrella Camps
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VWA_Ranger - Posts: 51
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 4:41 pm
Re: Salmon Creek Trail
by driggsy on Mon Feb 15, 2021 9:52 am
Date Hiked: February 14, 2021
General Condition: Wilderness Freeway (Heavily used and well maintained)
Smooth sailing all the way from the highway to the ridge road. Beautiful trail!
General Condition: Wilderness Freeway (Heavily used and well maintained)
Smooth sailing all the way from the highway to the ridge road. Beautiful trail!
- driggsy
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2021 9:22 am
Re: Salmon Creek Trail
by VWA_Ranger on Thu Dec 24, 2020 4:22 pm
Date Hiked: December 24, 2020
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: CLOSED, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is closed per Forest Order 05-07-51-20-22
Current Fire Restrictions: No Campfires, No Stoves in backcountry. Cold Camping Only.
Description:
With the Monterey Ranger District Forest still closed, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare for its reopening. Today volunteer Rangers were rebuilding drains near the lower section of trail. This will help keep the trail drier after winter rains.
Trail conditions are as follows:
Highway 1 to Spruce Creek Jct. - Clear with no obstacles
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DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: CLOSED, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is closed per Forest Order 05-07-51-20-22
Current Fire Restrictions: No Campfires, No Stoves in backcountry. Cold Camping Only.
Description:
With the Monterey Ranger District Forest still closed, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare for its reopening. Today volunteer Rangers were rebuilding drains near the lower section of trail. This will help keep the trail drier after winter rains.
Trail conditions are as follows:
Highway 1 to Spruce Creek Jct. - Clear with no obstacles
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DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
- Attachments
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- The most problematic section now has a new berm and check steps leading into the drain.
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- A newly built drain.
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- Third drain that was repaired.
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VWA_Ranger - Posts: 51
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 4:41 pm
Re: Salmon Creek Trail
by VWA_Ranger on Fri Dec 04, 2020 8:37 am
Date Hiked: December 3, 2020
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: CLOSED, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is closed per Forest Order 05-07-51-20-22
Current Fire Restrictions: No Campfires, No Stoves in backcountry. Cold Camping Only.
Description:
With the Monterey Ranger District Forest still closed, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare for its reopening. Today volunteer Rangers patrolled from Highway 1 to Spruce Camp. They cleaned Spruce Camp and removed a snag just past the top of the switchback entering the canyon. Water is available at Spruce Camp. The Creek is easily crossable at this time.
Trail conditions are as follows:
Highway 1 to Spruce Creek Jct. - Clear with no obstacles
Spruce Creek Jct. to Spruce Camp - Clear with encroaching brush.
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DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: CLOSED, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is closed per Forest Order 05-07-51-20-22
Current Fire Restrictions: No Campfires, No Stoves in backcountry. Cold Camping Only.
Description:
With the Monterey Ranger District Forest still closed, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare for its reopening. Today volunteer Rangers patrolled from Highway 1 to Spruce Camp. They cleaned Spruce Camp and removed a snag just past the top of the switchback entering the canyon. Water is available at Spruce Camp. The Creek is easily crossable at this time.
Trail conditions are as follows:
Highway 1 to Spruce Creek Jct. - Clear with no obstacles
Spruce Creek Jct. to Spruce Camp - Clear with encroaching brush.
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DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
- Attachments
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- Quiet times along the trail.
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- One of three Spruce Campsites.
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VWA_Ranger - Posts: 51
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 4:41 pm
Re: Salmon Creek Trail
by VWA_Ranger on Thu Nov 12, 2020 6:42 pm
Date Hiked: November 12, 2020
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: CLOSED, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is closed per Forest Order 05-07-51-20-22
Current Fire Restrictions: No Campfires, No Stoves in backcountry. Cold Camping Only.
Description:
With the Monterey Ranger District Forest still closed, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare for its reopening. Today volunteer Rangers worked around the Salmon Creek Falls area cleaning up trash, removing graffiti from the trailhead sign and upgrading a sign helping people find the Falls. They talked to many individuals who were glad to see them out on the trail keeping an eye on things.
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DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: CLOSED, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is closed per Forest Order 05-07-51-20-22
Current Fire Restrictions: No Campfires, No Stoves in backcountry. Cold Camping Only.
Description:
With the Monterey Ranger District Forest still closed, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare for its reopening. Today volunteer Rangers worked around the Salmon Creek Falls area cleaning up trash, removing graffiti from the trailhead sign and upgrading a sign helping people find the Falls. They talked to many individuals who were glad to see them out on the trail keeping an eye on things.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
- Attachments
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- The old Salmon Creek Falls sign
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- Upgraded Falls sign
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- Sign with Graffiti
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- The sign with graffiti removed
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VWA_Ranger - Posts: 51
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 4:41 pm
Re: Salmon Creek Falls
by gfelsman on Mon Oct 12, 2020 8:13 pm
Date Hiked: October 12, 2020
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
With the Monterey District being closed. Volunteer VWA/USFS Rangers spent two days cleaning up around the Falls Area. We took out over 25lbs. of trash that had been needlessly tossed around the falls. Removed lots of graffiti and took out an old water pipe that used to service the Ranger Station.
We talked to several groups about the forest closure. They understood the reason and went on their travels.
On an earlier trip one VWA/USFS Ranger removed a huge bay tree that had fallen across the trail at the very beginning.
As always do your part to help keep things nice. Take out all your belongings and trash. Leave a place nicer than you found it.
Unfortunately, the MRD remains closed for now until the Dolan Fire is declared out. Hope it rains soon.
Have a great day.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
With the Monterey District being closed. Volunteer VWA/USFS Rangers spent two days cleaning up around the Falls Area. We took out over 25lbs. of trash that had been needlessly tossed around the falls. Removed lots of graffiti and took out an old water pipe that used to service the Ranger Station.
We talked to several groups about the forest closure. They understood the reason and went on their travels.
On an earlier trip one VWA/USFS Ranger removed a huge bay tree that had fallen across the trail at the very beginning.
As always do your part to help keep things nice. Take out all your belongings and trash. Leave a place nicer than you found it.
Unfortunately, the MRD remains closed for now until the Dolan Fire is declared out. Hope it rains soon.
Have a great day.
- Attachments
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- Sign defaced with a purple arrow.
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- Rock painted with purple arrow.
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- Bobby removing grafitti
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- Bobby carrying out the huge pipe
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- View of Salmon Falls. Water is really low.
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gfelsman - Posts: 294
- Joined: Thu Aug 28, 2008 9:33 pm
Re: Salmon Creek Trail
by gregwin99 on Thu Jul 09, 2020 6:01 pm
Date Hiked: June 21, 2020
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
Section: Hiked from Salmon Creek Trailhead on Highway 1 to Lion Den Campground
Great trail conditions. Lots of people leaving from camping overnight on Saturday. No one at Lion Den Campground.
Large water source (flowing river) at estrella camp.
Small, but flowing water source at Lion Den Campground. Good for refilling water and water needed for dinner.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
Section: Hiked from Salmon Creek Trailhead on Highway 1 to Lion Den Campground
Great trail conditions. Lots of people leaving from camping overnight on Saturday. No one at Lion Den Campground.
Large water source (flowing river) at estrella camp.
Small, but flowing water source at Lion Den Campground. Good for refilling water and water needed for dinner.
- gregwin99
Salmon Creek Trail
by jbl on Sat Jun 27, 2020 8:48 pm
Date Hiked: June 21, 2020
General Condition: Wilderness Freeway (Heavily used and well maintained)
Section: Trailhead at Highway 1 to Spruce Creek Camp
The good news: trail is in excellent shape.
The bad news: trail was EXTREMELY CROWDED and Camps (Spruce and Estrella) were CRAZY OVERLOADED.
This was Sunday of Father's Day Weekend and we were doing a day hike to Dutra Flat to, among other things, inspect the Spruce Creek/San Carpoforo Trail regarding the reported damage in the Spruce Creek drainage. We encountered about 60 people who were either backpacking out (and who reported having stayed at Spruce or Estrella Camps) or were still camped at Spruce Creek Camp. Among the 10 or so remaining campers at Spruce Creek Camp when we got there was a group of 4 who gave me a deja vu of Sykes Camp: they had at least one ginormous tent and tons of gear and a very big cooler that they'd obviously hauled up there.
General Condition: Wilderness Freeway (Heavily used and well maintained)
Section: Trailhead at Highway 1 to Spruce Creek Camp
The good news: trail is in excellent shape.
The bad news: trail was EXTREMELY CROWDED and Camps (Spruce and Estrella) were CRAZY OVERLOADED.
This was Sunday of Father's Day Weekend and we were doing a day hike to Dutra Flat to, among other things, inspect the Spruce Creek/San Carpoforo Trail regarding the reported damage in the Spruce Creek drainage. We encountered about 60 people who were either backpacking out (and who reported having stayed at Spruce or Estrella Camps) or were still camped at Spruce Creek Camp. Among the 10 or so remaining campers at Spruce Creek Camp when we got there was a group of 4 who gave me a deja vu of Sykes Camp: they had at least one ginormous tent and tons of gear and a very big cooler that they'd obviously hauled up there.
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jbl - Posts: 205
- Joined: Mon Sep 15, 2008 3:57 pm
Re: Salmon Creek Trail
by gfelsman on Fri Jun 26, 2020 5:59 pm
Date Hiked: June 18, 2020
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
A VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger Patrolled this trail from South Coast Ridge Road to Highway 1. The trail is for the most part clear all the way with encroaching brush. There are a few loose sections above Estrella Camp. The slide above Spruce Camp is still passable as well.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
A VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger Patrolled this trail from South Coast Ridge Road to Highway 1. The trail is for the most part clear all the way with encroaching brush. There are a few loose sections above Estrella Camp. The slide above Spruce Camp is still passable as well.
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gfelsman - Posts: 294
- Joined: Thu Aug 28, 2008 9:33 pm
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