Nearly two years of work went into culminating the granddaddy of overland routes in California. The California Crest Trail is a 2,150 mile adventure that snakes its way through the Basin Ranges, Sierra Nevada, Cascades, Klamath Mountains, and Coastal Mountain Ranges. The current iteration of the trail snakes its way from the California Desert to the quaint oceanside village of Mendocino, showcasing California in all its natural splendor and grandiosity.
Route Overview
Adventure Rating: Dakar (Flagship Route)
Trip Length: 2,150+ miles, 4-10 weeks
Season: Varies by location. Be sure to check the seasonal recommendations for each of the 4 segments below. Terrain: Approximately 2/3 dirt, 1/3 pavement
Recommended Vehicle: Stock 4x4 or dual sport motor cycle. Lifted AWD vehicles and Sprinter 4x4s should be able to manage the main route. There are numerous alternative routes, which are suited to high clearance 4x4s.
California Crest Trail Summary
The California Crest Trail was started out as a crazy idea-- multi-week vehicle supported backcountry experience that would highlight California in all of its geological splendor and ecological diversity. The "main" route suitable for stock 4x4 vehicles and dual sport motorcycles (proper all terrain tires for both vehicles and motorcyles are recommended). For those with high clearance 4x4s that wish to take on more technical terrain and challenging trails, be sure to read up on the numerous alternative routes at the bottom of each segment section. The California Crest Trail can be driven in either direction, and given the wide range of climates, completing the route in a 1-2 month window may be a challenge unless you're willing to endure the brutal triple digit heat of Death Valley and the California deserts in mid-summer (because you wont' be able to traverse some of the high mountain passes, like the Sweetwater mountains and certain trails within the Central Sierra). Most folks will take on 1 or 2 segments at a time. We recommend you take on whatever suits your skills and schedul- whether that's doing a single segment, or the entire route in all its glory!
The California Crest Trail is divided into 4 distinct segments:
The Basin Ranges / 660 miles
The Sierras / 596 miles
The Southern Cascades and Klamath Mountains / 609 miles
The Coastal Ranges / 492 miles
Each of these segments creates a unique experience, and within certain segments, like the Basin Ranges, you'll find a wide range in landscapes and ecological zones. Given the length of the route, we could easily write a short book on the adventure, but we're not going to do that. What we can tell you is the route is stitches together a series of connectors and overland routes developed by Overland Trail Guides, and a number of the Backcountry Discovery Trails developed by the US Forest Service.
The current library of routes that play major parts in the California Crest Trail Include (from (south to North):
Sweetwater Adventure Trail (still in development)
El Dorado Backcountry Discovery Trail
Tahoe Backcountry Discovery Trail
Plumas Backcountry Discovery Trail (USFS)
Lassen Backcountry Discovery Trail (USFS)
Modoc Backcountry Discovery Trail (USFS)
Shasta-Trinity Backcountry Discovery Trail
Six Rivers Backcountry Discovery Trail (USFS)
Lost Coast 4x4 Trail
Mendocino Backcountry Discovery Trail (USFS)
Below, you'll find some general details about each segment-- what you can expect in terms of terrain, ecological zones, history, a list of discovery points, and more.
Segment 1
The Basin Ranges
Trip Length: 660 miles, 1-2 weeks
Season: Mid-Fall through mid-spring is recommended for the southern section to Big Pine. North of Big Pine, the route is typically open Summer through early fall. Some high mountain passes (Sweetwater Mountains) may not be clear or snow until July.
Average Technical Rating: 2-3
Peak Technical Rating: 4
Typical Terrain: Graded and sandy dirt roads, bump and eroded jeep tracks, some highways, sandy washes.
Alternative Routes: Yes! See bottom of this section for more info. Permits: You'll need passes for Death Valley National Park and Bodie State Historic Park.
Fuel Considerations: Be prepared to travel 200+ miles between fuel stopsf rom Beatty, NV (near Ryholite ghost town) and Big Pine. If you plan to do any of the alternative routes in Death Valley, the distance between fuel stops may exceed 250 miles. Carry extra fuel as needed.
Segment 1
Route Details
The California Desert and the Basin Ranges highlight the segment 1 experience. To the west, the rugged and domineering eastern Sierra creates the perfect backdrop for backcountry adventure travel. Segment 1 is the driest and hottest of the 4 segments that make up the California Crest Trail. Within Death Valley you'll find the hottest, driest, and lowest elevations within North America. And within 1 miles of Badwater Basins (282 feet below sea level), stands the highest point in the lower 48 (Mt Whitney, elev. 14,505'). You can expect to come across a variety of cacti and desert flora like Joshua trees, mesquite, and desert holly. Pinyon-juniper and bristlecone pine are typically found at higher elevations. Segment 1 features some of the most rugged terrain (still suitable for a stock 4x4), and those wishing to take on more technical trails should check out the numerous alternative routes featured below. The Basin and Range province has a rich history in mining, and many of these old mines and ghost towns are featured as discovery points along the route (Bodie, Ballarat, Rhyolite, Leadfield and more). As the route makes its way northway, the track makes its way through a number of higher elevation mountains and passes, including some quick jaunts through the eastern Sierra (Coyota Flat). At over 11,600 feet, the barren and rugged Sweetwater Mountains feature one of the highest drivable roads in California, with exquisite views of the Basin Ranges and the High Sierra to the west. Segment 1 concludes just south of Topaz Lake, where highway 89 meets highway 395.
Camping Recommendations There's a ton of great opportunity for dispersed camping along this segment of the California Crest Trail. Some of our favorite locations include:
Trona Pinnacles
Hole in the Wall
Eureka Dunes
Russell Camp
Saline Valley Warm Springs
Lee Flat Joshua Tree Forest
Coyote Flat
Segment 1 Discovery Points
S1 DP1 - Trona Pinnacles
S1 DP2 - Barker Ranch
S1 DP3 - Ballarat Ghost Town
S1 DP4 - Wildrose Charcoal Kilns
S1 DP5 - Mosaic Canyon
S1 DP6 - Harmony Borax works
S1 DP7 - Furnace Creek Visitor Center
S1 DP8 - Badwater Basin
S1 DP9 - Artist's Palette
S1 DP10 - Keane Wonder Mine Mill
S1 DP11 - Rhyolite Ghost town
S1 DP12 - Goldwell Open Air Museum
S1 DP13 - Leadfield Ghost town
S1 DP14 - Titus Canyon
S1 DP15 - Ubehebe Crater
S1 DP16 - Teakettle Junction
S1 DP17 - Racetrack playa
S1 DP18 - Panamint Valley Overlook
S1 DP19 - Salt Lake
S1 DP20 - Inyo Mountains
S1 DP21 - Saline Valley Warm Springs
S1 DP22 - Saline Valley North Pass
S1 DP23 - Highway 395
S1 DP24 - Coyote Flat
S1 DP25 - Mono Craters
S1 DP26 - Mono Lake
S1 DP27 - Mono Lake Tufa Reserve
S1 DP28 - Bodie Ghost Town
S1 DP29 - Masonic Mining Camp
S1 DP30 - Sweetwater Mountains
Segment 1 Alternative Routes
Goler Wash / Mengal Pass
Trail length: 68 miles, 1-2 days
Peak Technical Rating: 4-5 Recommended Vehicle: High Clearance 4x4 A fun 1-2 day adventure, with featuring popular locations like striped butte and geologist's cabin.
Echo Canyon
Trail length: 62 miles, 1-2 days
Peak Technical Rating: 4-5
Recommended Vehicle: High Clearance 4x4
Those looking to take the "scenic" route to Rhyolite, should check out one of Death Valley's best jeep trails.
Lippincott Pass
Trail length: 11 miles, 2-3 hours
Peak Technical Rating: 4
Recommended Vehicle: Stock 4x4
A rather short trail that provides a nice shortcut to Saline Valley. Lippincott features some of the best views in the Death Valley Backcountry. The trail isn't overly technical, but it is rather narrow in a few spots with lots of cliff exposure.
Dedeckera Canyon / Steele Pass
Trail length: 79 miles, 1-2 days
Peak Technical Rating: 5-6 Recommended Vehicle: High Clearance 4x4
This particular route features a number of highlights like Eureka Dunes, Dedeckera Canyon, Steele Pass Joshua Tree forest, and the Marble Bath. The waterfall section in Dedeckera Canyon features a series of 3 rock waterfalls. Novice and intermediate drives are recommended to have a spotter to navigate the waterfall section. The rest of the trail is relatively non-technical in nature.
Segment 2
The Sierras
Trip Length: 596 miles, 1-2 weeks
Season: June through mid-Fall. During years of heavy snow some higher elevation trails may not be open until July.
Average Technical Rating: 2
Peak Technical Rating: 4
Typical Terrain: Graded forest service roads, bumpy/rocky dirt roads, narrow and steep secondary roads and some connecting pavement.
Alternative Routes: Yes! See bottom of this section for more info. Permits: n/a
Fuel Considerations: Be prepared to travel up to 150 miles between fuel stops.
Segment 2 Route Details
Ahhhh, the mighty Sierra! The granite crags and snow capped peaks dominate the scenery as you ascend highway 4 surrounded by John Muir's country- the High Sierra! Pine and evergreens of all sorts dominate the forest; Ponderosa, Sugar, Yellow Pine, Douglas Fir, Incense Cedar and more. And with higher elevations, typically comes cooler temperatures (at least in relation to the valley floors below). The Central Sierra is dominated by granite peaks, many over 10,000 feet tall. As the route continues north, the forests become greener and more lush. The massive granite slabs and monoliths begin to gradually disappear, while serpentine becomes more prevalent to the north, near where the Sierra Nevada meets Mt Lassen and the Southern Cascades. Segment 2 features the highest density of rivers, lakes and reservoirs. So if going for a paddle on the SUP, a float in the good ol' intertube, or just a quick dip to cool down is your thing, this is your jam! The Northern Sierra (also referred to as the Lost Sierra), starting around the highway 49 corridor, is home to some of the richest and most productive gold fields in California History Those that relish in California's pioneer past, will love the high density of discovery points (over 60). Expect to see and run into more folks out and about in the southern half of this route. As you move north of highway 49, the trail traffic typically dies down quite a bit (outside of popular areas like Sierra Buttes and Gold Lake), and trail traffic becomes a rarity as you move further north of Gold Lake. Segment 2 concludes near the border of Lassen National Forest, which is a major transitional zone between the Sierra Nevada, and the volcanism that dominates the Cascades.
Camping Recommendations
Burnside Lake
Mud Lake
Hungalelti Ridge
Alder Creek (various dispersed sites)
Bowman Lake
Sawmill Lake
Faucherie Lake
Weber Lake
Gold Lake 4x4 Campground
Wild Plum Campground
Humbug Valley
Discovery Points
S2 DP1- Carson River
S2 DP2 - Markleeville
S2 DP3 - Hope Valley
S2 DP4 - Blue Lakes
S2 DP5 - Forestdale Divide
S2 DP6 - Elephants Back
S2 DP7 - Carson Pass
S2 DP8 - Caples Lake
S2 DP9 - Leek Spring Fire Lookout
S2 DP10 - Granite Slabs Playground
S2 DP11 - Alder Creek
S2 DP12 - Morrison Ranch
S2 DP13 - Alder Ridge Fire Lookout
S2 DP14 - South Fork American River
S2 DP15 - Ice House Observation Plateau
S2 DP16 - Bassi Falls
S2 DP17 - Uncle Tom's Cabin
S2 DP18 - Rubicon River
S2 DP19 - French Meadows Reservoir
S2 DP20 - Duncan Peak Fire Lookout
S2 DP21 - N. Fork American River
S2 DP22 - Big Valley Bluff Overlook
S2 DP23 - Bowman Lake
S2 DP24 - Faucherie Falls
S2 DP25 - Lacey Meadow
S2 DP26 - Webber Falls
S2 DP27 - Henness Pass
S2 DP28 - Keystone Gap Viewpoint
S2 DP29 - Forest City Ghost Town
S2 DP30 - Old Mountain House
S2 DP31 - North Fork Yuba River
S2 DP32 - Cannon Point
S2 DP33 - Downieville
S2 DP34 - Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout
S2 DP35 - Lakes Basin Viewpoint #2
S2 DP36 - Upper Sardine Lake / Sierra Buttes Viewpoint
S2 DP37 - Gold Lake
S2 DP38 - Mills Peak Fire Lookout
S2 DP39 - Frazier Falls
S2 DP40 - Middle Fork Feather River
S2 DP41 - Plumas-Eureka Mining Musem
S2 DP42 - Mohawk Stamp Mill
S2 DP43 - Jamison Mine Complex
S2 DP44 - Mt Fillmore
S2 DP45 - Onion Valley Warming Hut
S2 DP46 - Nelson creek
S2 DP47 - Feather river
S2 DP48 - Little Volcano
S2 DP49 - Claremont Peak
S2 DP50 - Serpentine rock
S2 DP51 - Spanish creek
S2 DP52 - Beckwourth trail
S2 DP53 - Bean Hill mine
S2 DP54 - Historic Twain General Store
S2 DP55 - Rush creek
S2 DP56 - North Fork Feather River
S2 DP57 - Seneca
S2 DP58 - Swiss mine
S2 DP59 - Butt Valley Reservoir
S2 DP60 - Yellow creek camp
S2 DP61 - Humbug Valley
S2 DP62 - Humboldt Peak
S2 DP63 - Colby Lookout
S2 DP64 - Deer Creek
Segment 2
Alternative Routes
Strawberry Pass
Trail length: 22 miles, 3-5 hours
Peak Technical Rating: 5 Recommended Vehicle: High Clearance 4x4
Strawberry Pass is a local favorite for the Jeep and off road crowds.
Pardoe's trail / Hungalelti Ridge
Trail length: 43 miles, 1-2 days
Peak Technical Rating: 4 Recommended Vehicle: High Clearance 4x4 (short wheelbase recommended) Pardoe's trail features two, prolonged rock gardens (referred to as the upper and lower rock gardens). The views of the high Sierra along the upper half of Pardoe's trail are next level. Mud lake, on the way to Pardoe's is also an excellent place to camp. There are a number of great camp sites near the upper rock garden as well.
Gold Valley
Trail length: 15 miles, 4-8 hours days
Peak Technical Rating: 4-5 Recommended Vehicle: High Clearance 4x4 Gold Valley is the main trail along this alternative route. The track features exquisite views of Lakes Basin and surrounding peaks. Expect a bumpy ride, and some trail traffic.
Mckinstry Lake
Trail length: 23 miles, 2-4 hours Peak Technical Rating: 3 Recommended Vehicle: Stock 4x4 This is a nice and out-and-back trail to the picturesque McKinstry Lake. Expect fantastic views of the surrounding Sierra, and if you've got a heavily modified vehicle, you can try taking on the Rubicon Trail that crosses the route about half way up the mountain.
Poker Flat OHV Trail
Trail length: 25 miles, .5 - 1.5 days
Peak Technical Rating: 4
Recommended Vehicle: High Clearance 4x4
Poker Flat is another popular jeep trail in the Lost Sierra, which gets its namesake from the old Poker Flat mining camp, found along the banks of Canyon Creek.
Segment 3
The Southern Cascades & Klamath Mountains
Trip Length: 596 miles, 1-2 weeks
Season: June through mid-Fall. Check snow levels for higher elevation trails if traveling earlier or later in the season.
Average Technical Rating: 2
Peak Technical Rating: 3
Typical Terrain: Graded forest service roads, narrow and steep secondary roads and some connecting pavement.
Alternative Routes: Yes! See bottom of this section for more info. Permits: You'll need to buy passes if you plan to visit Lassen NP or Lava Beds NM.
Fuel Considerations: Be prepared to travel up to 230 miles between fuel stops. The longest section between fuel stops is from Four Corners (near Burney) to the town of Mt Shasta.
Segment 3 Route Details
Segment 3 is easily one of the most geologically and ecologically diverse portions of the route. The beginning of segment 3 is a transitional zone, where the northern Sierra Nevada gives way to the volcanism of Mt Lassen and the Southern Cascades. Working your way north towards Medicine Lake, the massive lava fields of the Modoc Plateau separate the Warner Mountains to the east (part of the Basin Ranges) and Mt Shasta to the west (Cascades). You'll also notice the forests in the Southern Cascades tend to be denser, and lusher than the forests of the Central Sierra. The lush forests give way to juniper, sage, and pinyon pine that dominate the lower elevations of the Modoc Plateau. And to the west of Mt Shasta and Interstate 5, lies the Klamath Mountains, which is home to one of the most expansive and diverse coniferous regions in the world (more than 30 species of conifer can be found in the Klamath-Siskiyou bioregion). The beginning of Segment 3 is dominated by the presence of Mt Lassen, the southernmost major peak within the Cascade Range. When exploring the western flanks of the mountains surrounding Lassen Peak, we recommend making a visit to the incredibly scenic Brokeoff Meadows. Another popular destination along the route, is the always-impressive Burney Falls. Segment 3 works its way north through a series of buttes, crags, and lava field after lava field. The volcanism in and around Medicine Lake and the Modoc Plateau among the most impressive across the entire West Coast. Here you'll come across massive lava flows, entire mountains made of volcanic glass, and dozens of lava tubes (caves), especially in the vicinity of Lava Beds National Monument.
Turning west, at over 14,000 feet, Mt Shasta dominates the surrounding landscape. As you make your way around Shasta's southern flank, the high desert gives way to the dark and emerald forests the Pacific Northwest if famous for. Jumping across I-5, you've now entered the realm of the Klamath Mountains. It was in these mountains and foothills that were home to California's second great gold rush. Many geologists believe the Klamath are actually an extension of the Sierra Nevada province. Once you leave the pavement behind, there's not a whole lot of vehicle traffic along the dirt backroads of the Shasta-Trinity and Six Rivers National Forests. Highlights along this section include Castle Crags State Park, Tamarack Lake, and the East fork of the Trinity River. There's also a fantastic swimming hole along the South Fork of the Trinity River (S3 DP41). The views atop Pickett Peak and Horse Ridge are fantastic, affording 360 degree views. On a clear day you can see all the way to Mt Shasta, and both provide fantastic vantage points of the Klamath Mountains to the north, and the Coastal Ranges to the south. Segment 3 ends at the pavement of Highway 36, just shy of Ruth Lake- a fantastic location to swim, fish, or go boating/kayaking.
Camping Recommendations
Blackrock Campground (recommended on weekdays)
Brokeoff Meadows
Medicine Lake
Lava Beds National Monument
Shasta View Camp
Gumboot Lake
Tamarack Lake
Bear Flat Camp
East Fork Trinity River
Hobart Creek Camp
Discovery Points
S3 DP1 - Deer Creek
S3 DP2 - McCarthy Lookout
S3 DP3 - The Narrows
S3 DP4 - Bruff's Camp
S3 DP5 - Ishi Wilderness
S3 DP6 - Mill Creek
S3 DP7 - Heart Lake Trail
S3 DP8 - Brokeoff Meadows
S3 DP9 - Nobles Trail
S3 DP10 - Lassen Peak Vista Point
S3 DP11 - Burney Springs
S3 DP12 - Cypress Trail
S3 DP13 - Cornaz Lake
S3 DP14 - Hat Creek Observatory
S3 DP15 - Murken Bench
S3 DP16 - Hang Gliding
S3 DP17 - Hat Creek Rim
S3 DP18 - Lassen Trail
S3 DP19 - Burney Falls
S3 DP20 - Fall River
S3 DP21 - Jot Dean Ice Cave
S3 DP22 - Medicine Lake
S3 DP23 - Medicine Lake Glass Flow
S3 DP24 - Arnica Sink
S3 DP25 - Glass Mountain
S3 DP26 - Timber Mountain Lookout
S3 DP27 - Lava Beds National Monument
S3 DP28 - Doorknob Warming Hut
S3 DP29 - Callahan Lava Flow
S3 DP30 - Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout
S3 DP31 - Little Glass Mountain
S3 DP32 - Mt Shasta
S3 DP33 - Mud Creek Water Crossing
S3 DP34 - Castle Crags View
S3 DP35 - Tamarack Lake
S3 DP36 - East Fork Trinity River
S3 DP37 - Trinity Lake
S3 DP38 - Trinity Mountain
S3 DP39 - Trinity River (main fork)
S3 DP40 - Hall City Caves
S3 DP41- South Fork Trinity River
S3 DP42- Horse Ridge Fire Lookout
S3 DP43 Pickett Peak Fire Lookout
S3 DP44 - Ruth Lake
Segment 3
Alternative Routes
Peligreen Jeepway
Trail length: 25 miles, 4-8 hours
Peak Technical Rating: 5 Recommended Vehicle: High Clearance 4x4
Peligreen Jeepway is a local favorite with lots to see. Full size rigs may want to skip Peligreen, as it's known to be rather tight in several spots, and the encroaching brush can lead to some new pinstripes on that vehicle of yours!
tamarack Lake jeep Trails
Trail length: 44 miles, 1-4 hours
Peak Technical Rating: 4-6 Recommended Vehicle: High Clearance 4x4 There is a short network of jeep trails that criss-cross the alpine filled slopes above and around Tamarack lake. And while the specific route/trails aren't highlighted in the gpx/digital mapping files, the network can be access by taking the the left fork up the hill about 50 years prior to reaching the main lakeside camping area. The network includes numerous trails, with options to get super rowdy (but also lots of go-arounds). High clearance and armor are highly recommended if you plan to explore this great little trail network.
Segment 4
The Coastal Ranges
Trip Length: 492 miles, 5-10 days
Season: June through mid-Fall. Most trails below 5,000' are open by May, but be sure to check snow levels for higher elevation trails if traveling earlier or later in the season.
Average Technical Rating: 2
Peak Technical Rating: 3
Typical Terrain: Graded forest service roads, narrow and steep secondary roads and some connecting pavement.
Alternative Routes: n/a Permits: n/a
Fuel Considerations: Be prepared to drive up to 100 miles between fuel stops. The two longest sections to consider are from Covelo to Lake Pillsbury (Soda Creek Store), and Ruth Lake to Petrolia (near Mattole Beach).
Segment 4 Route Details
Segment 4, the Coastal Ranges, traverses some of California's most iconic landscapes. And while this segment is the least rugged in terms of topography and high elevation mountain peaks, the overwhelming beauty and charm of segment 4 is immediately evident. The route passes through some of the most productive farming regions in the world.
The rolling oak studded hills of Western Trinity and Souther Humboldt counties are home to perhaps the most productive region of high quality cannabis in the world. It was in these hills of northern Mendocino and Southern Humboldt that local farmers traveled to south Asian, and smuggled high quality cannabis seeds back into California. And while there's certainly a dark underbelly to the region that has stubbornly persisted since full recreational legalization in California, stick to the route and you'll be just fine (OTG has put in thousands of miles traveling these backroads and we've never had an issue). And of course there are the coast Redwoods, the tallest trees on earth. And Humboldt Redwoods is home to some of the largest stands of old growth redwood forest, including the absolutely mangificent Bull Creel area, which is home to the highest density of 350' or taller redwoods on earth. And while the 32 mile drive along Avenue of Giants gets tons of press, Mattole Road through the Bull Creek Flats could easily be the encore for Avenue of Giants. The redwoods are simply bigger, taller, and overwhelmingly awesome!
And then we have the coastline. The northern section of the Lost Coast through King Range National Conservation Area will amaze first timers with its rugged and while coastlines, where mountains rise suddenly from the blue depths of the Pacific. The Mendocino Coastline to the south exudes charm, with its numerous tide pools, sandy coves, and quaint villages like Albion and Mendocino. The Napa and Sonoma Valleys have gained an international reputation for producing some of the best wine in the world. To the north of Sonoma County extends the Mendocino Wine Country, which has started to build quite the reputation for itself. In terms of libations and culinary options, the sections around Ukiah and the Mendocino coast afford numerous opportunities to experience high quality California cuisine, top quality microbreweries, and of course the wine!
The terrain of segment 4 is relatively non-technical in nature. Stock AWD vehicles should be able to manage the entirety of the route, but it may get a bit bumpy on certain sections like Hull Mountain (Mendocino NF) and Saddle Mountain Road (Lost Coast). Highlights along this section include the drive through Humboldt Redwoods and through the Mattole River Valley which leads to the Mattole river mouth and beach- quite the spectacle to behold especially from Prosper Ridge at sunset! The section south of Mattole River along the Lost Coast includes steep dirt roads with magnificent views of the King Range and the pacific 3,000' feet below. Local Roosevelt Elk can often be spotted gathering around Needle Rock Visitor Center, which also provides an impressive vantage point of the endlessly blue Pacific.
The route then moves inland, cutting east across northern Mendocino County into the Mendocino National Forest. There are numerous swimming holes near where the Eel and Black Butte Rivers meet near Covelo. Atop Anthony Peak, which happens to be the highest elevation in Mendocino County, it's said that on a clear day you can see Lassen Peak to the east and the Pacific to the west. To the south, Hull Mountain affords views of lake Pillsbury and the surrounding coastal ranges. Down at Lake Pillsbury, there are some fantastic swimming holes (and campsites) just west of the dam, about a mile or two from Soda Creek store. The final leg of segment 4 snakes through the paved and dirt county backroads of Mendocino County, before reaching Highway 1 along the coast. The California Crest Trail concludes with a quick drive through the quaint coastal village and artist community of Mendocino, before reaching its terminus at Big River Beach. Big River Beach is the place to enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine while watching local wildlife like harbor seals and river otters, and of course the breaking waves of the brooding Pacific.
Camping Recommendations
Segment 4 travels through many areas where dispersed camping isn't permitted. If you're outside of National Forest, your best bet is to camp at one of the sites or campgrounds listed in the digital mapping file. Some of our favorite places to camp in the Coastal Mountains include:
Hobart Creek Camp
AW Way County Park
Mattole Beach
Usal Campground (recommended on weekdays)
Skunk Rock camp
Grizzly Flat
Trout Creek
Camp One area in Jackson Demonstration Forest
Jughandle Creek Farm
Discovery Points
S4 DP1 - Mad River
S4 DP2 - Black Lassic
S4 DP3 - Van Duzen river
S4 DP4 - Zenia
S4 DP5 - Eel River
S4 DP6 - Dyerville Loop
S4 DP7 - Avenue of the Giants
S4 DP8 - Humboldt Redwoods Visitor Center
S4 DP9 - Rockefeller Redwood Grove
S4 DP10 - Bull Creek Flat - Big Tree Area
S4 DP11 - Honeydew Green Bridge
S4 DP12 - Mattole River
S4 DP13 - Mattole Beach & River Mouth
S4 DP14 - Prosper Ridge Viewpoint
S4 DP15 - Punta Gorda Lighthouse
S4 DP16 - Saddle Mountain Road Viewpoint
S4 DP17 - Needle Rock Visitor Center
S4 DP18 - Usal Beach
S4 DP19 - Usal Road
S4 DP20 - Chandalier Drive Thru Tree
S4 DP21 - Black Butte River Ranch
S4 DP22 - Black Butte River
S4 DP23 - Twin Rocks
S4 DP24 - Anthony Peak Fire Lookout
S4 DP25 - Hammerhorn Mountain
S4 DP26 - M1 Golden Hills Viewpoint
S4 DP27 - Blue Banks (Serpentine Rock)
S4 DP28 - Bald Mountain Viewpoint
S4 DP29 - Monkey Rock
S4 DP30 - James Hull's Grave
S4 DP31 - Hull Mountain
S4 DP32 - Lake Pillsbury
S4 DP33 - Gravelly Airstrip
S4 DP34 - Gravelly Valley Tule Elk Herd
S4 DP35 - Fort Bragg-Sherwood Road
S4 DP36 - Historic Fort Bragg Downtown
S4 DP37 - The Skunk Train
S4 DP38 - Noyo Harbor
S4 DP39 - Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
S4 DP40 - Russian Gulch Bridge Viewpoint
S4 DP41 - Russian Gulch Sinking Hole
S4 DP42 - Historic Mendocino Downtown
S4 DP43 - Big River Beach
S4 DP44 - Mendocino Overlook
Topography & Biomes The California Crest Trail passes through some of the most biologically diverse and rich ecoregions along the West Coast, along with some of the most desolate and unforgiving deserts. At the south, you'll travel through the Mojave and Great Basin Deserts. The deserts have vast valleys between rugged mountains, sandy roads, and razor sharp volcanic rocks i some locations. The Sierra and southern Cascades are known for their expansive conifer forests, ranging from high desert, but becoming more lush as you make your way northwards. The majestic granite domes and buttes of the central Sierra become more subdued as you make your way north, eventually giving way to the volcanism that birthed the Mt Lassen, Mt Shasta, and the southern Cascade Range millions of years ago. Miles long lava flows of black and burnt maroon volcanic rock flow down the flanks of these massive cinder domes. Did you know that Mt Shasta is actually comprised for four cinder domes? And while Mt Rainier may be over 200 feet taller, Mt Shasta is actually larger when compared using total volume.
The Southern Cascades also happen to be the precipice of three other geological provinces, and here you'll find a wide variety of changing landscapes and flora over relatively short distances. The high deserts of the Basin and Range province, northern Sierra Nevada, and the Klamath Mountains to the west (many geologists believe the geological similarities of the Klamath indicate that it's actually part of the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges). For example, the southern slopes of Mt Shasta are green and lush, with plenty of ferns and other plants living under the forest canopy. But a few short miles to the east, the scrublands of the high desert surround mighty Shasta's eastern flank. The Modoc Plateau (circa Medicine Lake) is a mix of high desert scrub land, volcanic lava flows, and emerald green conifer forest (be sure to check out Lava Beds National Monument). To the west of Mt Shasta, lies the 11 million acre Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregion. World renowned for its biodiversity, the Klamath Siskiyou contains one of the largest concentrations of conifer forests in the world, and the
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