A Hiking Blog for L.A. and Southern California
The Angeles, San Bernardino, and Los Padres National Forests are open again!
The Cleveland National Forest is scheduled to re-open tomorrow.
So go out, enjoy the mountains again — but be sure to check to make sure the area you’re going into isn’t closed down from fire damage.
… Well, relatively clear, that is.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a statement today saying the air quality has improved to the point where they’re no longer recommending limiting your outdoor activities. They note, however, that there are still some fires burning, and several areas that still have smoke advisories in effect. (Here’s a clue - if you smell smoke or see ash, you’re still in a smoke advisory area).
Don’t lace up those boots just yet, though - the National Forests are still closed due to extreme fire hazard. Here’s hoping we can get back to the mountains by the weekend!
While the fires are getting under control in (most of) Southern California, the air here is still pretty nasty. According to an MSNBC story, officials recommend limiting strenuous outdoor activity for at least 7 days after the fires are quelled.
My allergies have been going at full blast all week - sore throat, burning eyes, runny nose - the total package. Way worse than the 2003 fires. Normally I’d retreat to the mountains to get away from air like this, but right now the only option I’ve got is hiding inside my apartment with my Xbox and air conditioner.
Oh well. I’m still fortunate enough to have a place to sleep. I can’t wait for this smoke to clear so I can at least see my San Gabriels again.
The Angeles, San Bernardino, Cleveland, and Los Padres National Forests are all closed until further notice. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is also closed, although the visitor center in Thousand Oaks is still operational. Violators are subject to fines and imprisonment.
Not that you really want to be hiking in the smoky air, anyway.
A 9 mile round-trip backpack along the Sespe Creek to a shaded riverside campground. Hot valley air, cold river water, and plenty of scenes of recent wildfires keep up the variety, and the relatively level elevation makes it easy on the knees. A great weekend getaway.
A beautiful, isolated, and rugged river canyon in the Los Padres National Forest. Lots of river crossings, swimming holes, fascinating geology, and opportunities for off-trail adventuring.
Continue reading ‘Backpacking Matilija Creek’
Click here for a Google Map of Los Angeles hiking trails.
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