Getting Oriented
Mendocino Pass Road runs east-west across the heart of the 920,000-acre Mendocino National Forest, the only national forest in California without a paved through-road. The eastern end is at Stonyford, off I-5 west of Williams. The western end is at Covelo in Round Valley, on SR-162. The two ends represent two distinct California ecosystems: the Sacramento Valley grassland and the Eel River redwood-fir country. The pass itself sits at 5,006 feet on the saddle between the Yolla Bolly and Snow Mountain wilderness areas.
Trail Overview
Sixty-five miles point-to-point, dirt and gravel throughout. The eastern half from Stonyford climbs gradually through chaparral and oak to Plaskett Meadows. The middle ten miles cross the pass with the route's only rocky and shelf-road segments; 4WD low and tire pressure adjustments help. The western descent through the Eel River canyon is steep with several switchback shelf sections and washouts in early summer. Total time: six to eight hours of driving.
Points of Interest
- Plaskett Meadows. USFS-developed campground at 5,300 feet on the eastern half, with two small lakes and stocked trout.
- Mendocino Pass. The 5,006-foot saddle with views into the Yolla Bolly and Snow Mountain Wilderness areas.
- Snow Mountain Wilderness. Designated wilderness north of the road; home to the highest summit in the Coast Range south of the Yolla Bolly.
- Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness. Designated wilderness north of the road; one of California's most remote wilderness areas.
- Eel River Crossing. The road crosses the Middle Fork Eel River; trout fishing in summer.
- Lake Pillsbury. Reservoir reached by FR M1 spur off the western descent. USFS-developed campgrounds and a marina.
Where to Camp
Plaskett Meadows, Hammerhorn Lake, Howard Meadows, and Eel River Campgrounds (USFS-developed) sit along the route. All have vault toilets and primitive sites; most are first-come, first-served. Lake Pillsbury Recreation Area on the western descent has multiple developed campgrounds. Dispersed camping is allowed on Mendocino NF land off the main road with the standard 14-day stay limit, and the route has many turnouts that double as primitive sites.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Run west-to-east if you want the steep descent off the pass to be a climb instead.
- Plan around the season. The pass closes from December through April most years; the first fall rain can close the western descent for days.
- Carry recovery gear and a spare. The western descent eats sidewalls.
- Cell service is gone for most of the route. Carry an inReach or satellite messenger.
- The Grindstone Ranger District (530-934-3316) and Covelo Ranger District (707-983-6118) handle current conditions and seasonal closures.
- Combine with Lake Pillsbury and Hull Mountain side trips for a multi-day Coast Ranges trip.
