Mendo Nat'l Forest boondocking sites? **Middle Fork Cosumnes River video added 5/2**

[gcvt]

3/31-4/2. Looking for recommendations for boondocking spots in the Mendocino National Forest. GF and I already got the time off and were planning to go south with our cabin building friends. Now can't really go south and our cabin friends are headed to the east coast that weekend to care for a terminally ill relative.

I've ridden through Mendo a hundred times but never looked for camp sites up there where we can go that many/most others can't go. Would like to just let the dogs run free. 2WD lifted van, fresh BFG KO2's, open diff, no winch.

Any help? Our backup is Ocean Cove because the GF loves it, but we would prefer to be out in the forest away from others. Second backup would be Tahoe Nat'l but the Forest Service destroyed all our favorite campsites on Finning Mill Road

[DefyInertia]

Abort mission. Going to be super soggy and muddy and the damage from storms will not yet be corrected. Too early in the season to reach the good areas with 2WD open diff. Especially true this year with tons of snow and rain. Plus you could easily get real cold temps and/or snow.

[gcvt]

Well poop.

Not sure we can even get to Ocean Cove. Can't find any info on Hwy 1 north of Jenner. PM'd 'cactus' who lives in Foresthill and he says even the very western edge of the Tahoe National Forest is also a no-go.

Well, we can't cancel the time off so we've got to go somewhere. Gotta figure something out pretty quick. Suggestions welcomed.

[DefyInertia]

HWY 1 should be clear all the way to 101 at Leggett unless cal trans reports otherwise. I bet you could make it to Usal beach...maybe bring chains to be super safe.

[DefyInertia]

Death valley for the super bloom!!!!

Corrizo Plain?

[gcvt]

Death valley for the super bloom!!!!

Corrizo Plain?

[estrom]

March/April and September/October are the perfect times to enjoy the coast on hwy 1. I would go for it.

[tmy255]

I'd look into Lake Pillsbury in the Mendocino National Forest if you want to get away, go in at Potter Valley and take the county road. Check to make sure road is open but we used to head over at the time your going, to start our Bass Fishing with a two wheel drive towing a 38 thousand dollar bass boat just drive slow.

[gcvt]

I'd look into Lake Pillsbury in the Mendocino National Forest if you want to get away, go in at Potter Valley and take the county road. Check to make sure road is open but we used to head over at the time your going, to start our Bass Fishing with a two wheel drive towing a 38 thousand dollar bass boat just drive slow.

Hey, that could work. Camped at the Navy Camp campground before. Like that area. Shall research.

[DefyInertia]

Hey, that could work. Camped at the Navy Camp campground before. Like that area. Shall research.

Yeah you'll be good if you stay at low elevation.

[gcvt]

Yeah you'll be good if you stay at low elevation.

Hope the current 2017 Google Maps photo was from very early this year. There's no way the lake level is that low right now.

[tmy255]

You might be able to call the Potter Valley store there pretty nice and ask if they know lake level and road conditions.

[WartHog]

I'd look into Lake Pillsbury in the Mendocino National Forest if you want to get away, go in at Potter Valley and take the county road. Check to make sure road is open but we used to head over at the time your going, to start our Bass Fishing with a two wheel drive towing a 38 thousand dollar bass boat just drive slow.

The road in from Potter Valley was still closed a week ago due to it sliding away just as you start down the grade going to Soda Creek Store. I spoke to the Forest Service in Upper Lake and the plan is to wait until the rainy season is over before attempting repairs. They did say the access to the lake via Elk Mountain Rd/301 in Upper Lake is open.

This would be an awesome time to go as the lake is full and there shouldn't be a lot of other campers around, especially if you're there midweek. Oak Flat will probably be the only campground open. You can call Soda Creek Store @ 707-743-2148 and talk to Nick or his Wife/Partner, the Lake Pillsbury Resort @ 707-743-1528, or the USFS Upper Lake Ranger District @ 707-275-2361 for more info.

[gcvt]

We might head back to Pipi. It's paved most of the way to a pretty good campsite in the forest.

IMG_4400.jpg

[LeadFarmer74]

That's a dope van. My cousin has a similiar set up and it's great for camping. Back to the OP though. I live in Humboldt and like DefyInertia said it's way muddy and rainy still. I assume it's somewhat similiar. Most campsites around this area don't open up till May.