Backpacking in California

Guide to: Central Coast Region Central Valley Region Desert Region Gold Country Region High Sierra Region Inland Empire Region Los Angeles/Orange Counties North Coast Region San Diego County San Francisco Bay Area Shasta Cascade Region California is world renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Backpacking in a National Forest or National Park like theChannel Islands, is an excellent way to experience California in front of a campfire and get away from the crowds. There are hundreds of camping spots suitable for an overnight or extended backpacking trip like John Muir NHS. Many sites are also suitable for fishing and a local favorite spot is Tahoe NF. Description - Spending the night beside a rushing mountain brook inKlamath NF or in a pine forest beside a high mountain lake like Shasta-Trinity NF is an unforgettable experience! The truly adventurous should try an alpine lake above timberline -- the perfect place for stargazing. Far away from the city lights and above 12,000 feet in elevation, the stars are like nothing you have seen before. Be sure to keep a clean camp as bears are common. Hang your food from a tree or keep it in airtight containers. Definitely do NOT take any food, body lotions or other greasy and/or smelly products into the tent with you. Be prepared for cool evenings and hot days. Sunscreen is a must at higher elevations as there is not as much atmosphere to protect you from the intense sun. Even if visiting the Redwoods of Sequoia NF can give you quite a burn. But that much will be obvious when travelling to Death Valley NF Also be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms which are a regular occurrence in the mountains in July and August. Lightning is of special concern above timberline. Treat all water before consuming as there are numerous water born diseases and contaminants. Be aware of mineral contaminants from abandoned mines. Attractions - Backpacking in the California Forests is one of the most rewarding times one can spend in the woods. The trails are beautiful, with ample opportunity for some outdoor recreation. Fishing, mountain biking, camping, and hiking. National Forests and Parks A-L National Forests and Parks M-Z Amboy Crater NNL Angeles NF Butte Valley NG Cabrillo NM Channel Islands NP Cleveland NF Death Valley NF Devils Postpile NM Eldorado NF Eugene O'Neill NHS Fort Point NHS Golden Gate NRA Inyo NF John Muir NHS Joshua Tree NP Juan Bautista de Anza NHT Klamath NF Lassen NF Lassen Volcanic NP Lava Beds NM Los Padres NF Manzanar NHS Mendocino NF Modoc NF Mojave NP Muir Woods NM Pacific Crest Trail Pinnacles NM Plumas NF Point Reyes NS Port Chicago NM Redwood NP San Bernardino NF San Francisco Maritime NHP Sequoia Kings Canyon NP Sequoia NF Shasta-Trinity NF Sierra NF Six Rivers NF Stanislaus NF Tahoe NF Yosemite NP

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