In 2018, the southern half of Mendocino NF was ravaged by the Mendocino Complex, which at the time was the largest forest fire in CA's recorded history. In 2020, the northern half of the forest was hit with the August Complex fire, which surpassed the Mendocino Complex and was the first fire in the state to burn in excess of 1 million acres. Ironically, I had been in the forest when the lightning storm struck. The frequency and proximity of thunderclaps increased dramatic, and recognizing our elevation (around 6k feet), we decided it'd be best for our own safety to get down to lower elevation. Little did our group know this was the beginning of series of fires that would be ignited from the lightning storm. Lost with Brooks captured our adventures that weekend and provides some commentary on his experience of exploring Mendocino NF and the aftermath of the August Complex.
Following the August Complex, I became admittedly depressed as Mendocino NF is my "go-to" local forest. After speaking with a few friends, I had been encouraged that there were mountain slopes and ridges and islands of green that had been spared from the burn. It was enough to inspire me to take my 6yo out in the mountains for some exploration and fun in the snow. We ended up staying at one of my camp locations, Skunk Rock that overlooks round valley and has fantastic views of Hull Mountain to the South, and Anthony Peak and the Yolla Bollies to the north.
Since we we pulling into camp after dark on Friday, and we were unsure what was accessible in the high country, we opted to stay at the Eel River Camp at the confluence of the Black Butte and Eel Rivers. However, upon pulling up to the campground the gate was locked-- still closed for the season. Luckily, Black Butte River Ranch is right across the road and we snagged an open spot.
View of Black Butte River looking east.
The next day we headed up Mexican Ridge on M1, and ended up making it to about 5500' before the snowdrifts became too deep.
Camp and Skunk Rock. Note the forest and surrounding mountains are a mixture of burnt and green trees.
Following the August Complex, I became admittedly depressed as Mendocino NF is my "go-to" local forest. After speaking with a few friends, I had been encouraged that there were mountain slopes and ridges and islands of green that had been spared from the burn. It was enough to inspire me to take my 6yo out in the mountains for some exploration and fun in the snow. We ended up staying at one of my camp locations, Skunk Rock that overlooks round valley and has fantastic views of Hull Mountain to the South, and Anthony Peak and the Yolla Bollies to the north.
Since we we pulling into camp after dark on Friday, and we were unsure what was accessible in the high country, we opted to stay at the Eel River Camp at the confluence of the Black Butte and Eel Rivers. However, upon pulling up to the campground the gate was locked-- still closed for the season. Luckily, Black Butte River Ranch is right across the road and we snagged an open spot.
View of Black Butte River looking east.
The next day we headed up Mexican Ridge on M1, and ended up making it to about 5500' before the snowdrifts became too deep.
Camp and Skunk Rock. Note the forest and surrounding mountains are a mixture of burnt and green trees.