Mendocino National Forest, United States

Mendocino National Forest Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the scenic region of California, Mendocino National Forest offers a breathtaking escape into nature. Spanning over 913,000 acres, this national forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and recreational opportunities, Mendocino National Forest promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

One of the main highlights of Mendocino National Forest is its stunning natural beauty. From lush meadows to towering mountains, this forest showcases a variety of landscapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Hiking trails wind through dense forests, leading to picturesque waterfalls and panoramic vistas. The forest is also home to several sparkling lakes and rivers, perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming. Nature enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to spot a wide range of wildlife, including deer, elk, black bears, and countless bird species.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Mendocino National Forest offers a multitude of recreational activities. Thrill-seekers can explore the forest's extensive network of off-road vehicle trails, providing an adrenaline-pumping ride through rugged terrain. Camping is also a popular activity, with numerous campgrounds scattered throughout the forest, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature.

History buffs will find plenty to discover in Mendocino National Forest as well. The forest is home to several historic sites, including the Stonyford Museum, which showcases the region's rich cultural heritage. Exploring these sites offers a glimpse into the past, providing a deeper understanding of the area's history and significance.

Alternative names: Established: 1907 (117 years ago)Area: 1427.04 mi²Elevation: 5020 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 39°33'45"N, 122°49'30"W

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CaliforniaUnited States

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Mendocino National Forest Top Attractions

Mendocino National Forest Attractions - What to See and Explore

Mendocino National Forest offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Anthony Peak, Saint John Mountain, Lake Pillsbury, Howard Lake. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Anthony Peak
Anthony Peak is a mountain located in the Mendocino National Forest north of Mendocino Pass and is part of the Northern Coast Ranges of Mendocino County, California, approximately 16 miles NE of Covelo.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Saint John Mountain
Saint John Mountain is a mountain located in the Northern Coast Ranges of California. It is located just to the north of Snow Mountain in the Mendocino National Forest. The peak is high enough to receive snowfall in winter.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Pillsbury
Lake Pillsbury is a lake in the Mendocino National Forest of Lake County, California, created from the Eel River and Hull Mountain watershed by Scott Dam. Elevation is 1,818 ft with 65 mi of shoreline and covering 2,003 acres.

Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Howard Lake
Howard Lake is a natural lake in northwestern Mendocino County, California, located in the Mendocino National Forest at an elevation of 3,852 feet. It covers an area of 20 acres. The lake hosts a small campground and is a popular primitive camping experience. In some years, the U.S. Forest Service stocks the lake with rainbow trout.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Black Butte
Black Butte is a mountain butte located in the Northern Coast Ranges of California south of Mendocino Pass. It rises to an elevation of 7,455 feet north of the Black Butte River.
Nature • Natural attraction • Hot springs
Crabtree Hot Springs
Crabtree Hot Springs is a geological phenomenon in Lake County, California about 25 miles north of Upper Lake. It is located on private property and closed to the public. It lies at an elevation of 2,257 feet.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Inner North Coast Ranges
The Inner North Coast Ranges occur along the east slope of the outer Northern California Coast Ranges. The term inner is a reference to the greater distances of the mountain ranges from the Pacific Ocean, compared to the outer ranges that are nearer to that ocean, and often larger.
Nature • Hot springs
Rice Fork
The Rice Fork is a 22.7-mile-long tributary of the Eel River in Lake County, California. The Rice Fork begins on the upper northwest side of Goat Mountain, on the Colusa-Lake County line, at an elevation of over 6,000 feet.
Mountain pass • Nature
Mendocino Pass
Mendocino Pass is a mountain pass located in the Northern Coast Ranges in California. The pass, in the extreme northwest corner of Glenn County, is at an elevation of about 5,006 feet and at the gap, two dirt roads intersect.
Park
Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument
Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument is a national monument of the United States comprising 330,780 acres of the California Coast Ranges in Napa, Yolo, Solano, Lake, Colusa, Glenn and Mendocino counties in northern California.
39°35'41"N • 122°51'32"W
Black Butte River
The Black Butte River is located in the Mendocino National Forest of northern California in Glenn and Mendocino counties. It is a tributary to the Middle Fork Eel River and flows northward for 24 miles from its headwaters near Round Mountain to the confluence with the Middle Fork Eel River.

Day trips

Mendocino National Forest – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Mendocino National Forest, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Vichy Springs (Ukiah), City of Ten Thousand Buddhas (Ukiah), Orrs Springs (Ukiah).

33 milesSW
Hot springs
Vichy Springs, Ukiah
Vichy Springs is a set of springs around which formed a resort in Mendocino County, California. It is located on Sulphur Creek 3 miles east-northeast of Ukiah, at an elevation of 801 feet.
35 milesSW
Sacred and religious sites, Temple
City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, Ukiah
The City of Ten Thousand Buddhas is an international Buddhist community and monastery founded by Hsuan Hua, an important figure in Western Buddhism.
37 milesSW
Hot springs
Orrs Springs, Ukiah
Orrs Springs is a set of springs around which grew a resort and a stagecoach station in Mendocino County, California. It is located 15 miles almost directly north of Boonville, at an elevation of 1001 feet.
13 milesS
Natural attraction, Mountain
Snow Mountain East, Snow Mountain Wilderness
Snow Mountain is a mountain in Northern California in the Snow Mountain Wilderness of Mendocino National Forest. The highest point on the mountain, known as Snow Mountain East, is the highest point in both Colusa and Lake counties.
33 milesN
Natural attraction, Mountain
Mount Linn, Yolla Bolly–Middle Eel Wilderness
Mount Linn, at 8,098 feet, is the easternmost summit of South Yolla Bolly Mountain, and is located in the Yolla Bolly Mountains of the Northern Coast Ranges and sibling Klamath Mountains System, in Tehama County, northwestern California. Mt.

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Best Time To Visit Mendocino National Forest

Learn when is the best time to travel to Mendocino National Forest weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Mendocino National Forest?

The top attractions to visit in Mendocino National Forest are: