Pine Creek Wilderness

Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Pine Creek Wilderness (map) in 1984 and it now has a total of 13,480 acres. All of this wilderness is located in California and is managed by the Forest Service. The Pine Creek Wilderness is bordered by the Hauser Wilderness to the south.

Description

Gently sloping from about 2,000 feet elevation in the south to 4,000 feet in the north, Pine Creek and its numerous tributaries drain this Wilderness in a north-south direction. With the exception of the creek itself, home to rainbow trout and bass, most of the streams dry up part of the year. Chaparral and scrub oak entirely dominate the vegetation, with some riparian and oak woodlands emerging from the stream bottoms. You may see deer, coyotes, mountain lions (if you're living right), gray foxes, hawks, owls, and several species of reptiles--no wonder a few hunters have discovered this area. You might also encounter small herds of private livestock grazing because their owners were issued permits prior to designation.

Several trails provide access, and receive only light human use. The Horsethief Trail on the west side switchbacks down into Horsethief Canyon and takes you 1.2 miles to the waters of Pine Creek. Groups are limited to 15 people. Campfires are not permitted. Non-conforming uses (e.g. drug trafficking, nonsystem trails, litter and undocumented immigration) affect the agency's ability to protect and manage the wilderness character. Please call the District Office (619-445-6235) for current conditions and remote camping information.

In July 2006, the Horse Fire consumed the chaparral in the southern 1/3 of Pine Creek Wilderness. During rain events visitors should be aware of the potential for flash floods and mud slides.

Planning to Visit the Pine Creek Wilderness?

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Pine Creek Wilderness.

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.