Recreation Information 

Current Recreation News

With the advent of the 2008 Management Plan and the establishment of the Jackson Advisory Group, Jackson Forest has a renewed focus on expanding recreation possibilities.

Keep abreast of recreation developments, including reports and background information, at our special page on the JAG Recreation Committee.

To make your own comments on recreation issues, visit the Jackson Forum.

2010 Logging Operation Closures

Logging has resumed in Jackson Forest. Areas where logging occurs are closed to recreation use.

The Camp 6 and Indian Springs campgrounds shall be closed.

Roads 380, 360 from 361 to 1000, 362, 363, 1000, 305, 90, 210, 211, 212, 330 and Road 310 shall be closed to vehicular traffic.

Road 330 adjacent to the THP area is closed to all public use on weekdays. Road 330 will be closed north of Road 332 beginning mid July and into Sept.

Road 360 from 300 to 361 and Road 361 will be closed when timber operations affect those areas (anticipated in late May). The areas within the above mentioned timber sale boundaries are closed to the public.

Maps of closures near Camp One (pdf) (jpg)
Map of 2010 active timber operations (pdf) (jpg)

Check with Jackson Headquarters (707 964-5674) if you have questions about recreation in the vicinity of harvest operations.

Hikes In Jackson Forest

During 2000-2003, Nancy McCarthy created and led a number of hikes in Jackson Forest. Descriptions and maps of eleven of these hikes are now available at www.MendoWalks.org , thanks to Michael Potts.

There is a great hike in Jackson Forest only a few miles from Mendocino Village, on informal trails created by Kendrick Petty, a local resident. Map and directions.

See also, a map showing common trails and loops used by horse riders, cyclists, and hikers. This is a work in progress and the map shown is an initial draft without supporting details. The map will be most useful if you have a browser or software that will allow you to zoom in to see map details.

Camping and Recreation Maps

New Jackson Map Available

Jackson Forest management has produced a new, large-scale map of Jackson Forest. This is an essential map for navigating the roads, camps, and trails in Jackson Forest. This is the first new map produced in many years. Not only is updated and with topographical information, it is printed on durable plasticized paper -- and it is only $5.00. Available at JDSF offices, 408 North Main Street, Fort Bragg.

Camping

Camping in Jackson Forest is no longer free. The current fee (as of 2012) is $15 per night. The maximum uninterrupted stay is two weeks, with one month total per calendar year. See Online Maps, below, for location.

Online Maps

Available here are maps of east and west sections of Jackson State Forest, showing roads and camping sites. Most camp sites are in the Camp One area.

Trail Map

An inventory of commonly used hiking, biking, and equestrian trails is currently being made by users of the forest. A preliminary map showing common trails and loops has been created. More information and details on the trails will be forthcoming. The map will be most useful if you have a browser or software that will allow you to zoom in to see map details.

Bike Rides

Off-road bike enthusiasts are invited to come and enjoy the gorgeous trails and redwoods of Jackson State Forest.

Local bikers are generously sharing their knowledge of its many miles of biking trails -- both single and double track, some moderate, some challenging, some difficult climbs, and some very rutted descents. They will be happy to take individuals and/or groups of up to 15-20 on either beginning, intermediate, or advanced rides, depending on who shows up.

For more information call Stanley Miklose at Down Home Foods at 707-964-4661.

Here is a link to the Mendocino Coast Cyclists list http://lists.mcn.org/mailman/listinfo/mendobikers

Visitors may check the Archives for the next ride time and meeting place for rides. Usually we meet at 1 PM Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 AM Sundays.