ARCATA, Calif. – Experience the majestic beauty of ancient redwood stands on a guided hike with the Bureau of Land Management along the Salmon Pass Trail and immerse in the wonders of nature.

These hikes in the southern part of the Headwaters Forest Reserve are planned for weekends from mid-May through mid-November at the south end of the Reserve. Registration on Recreation.gov  is required for each outing. Registration will open on March 17. The BLM will announce hike dates and open registration two months before each hike. The registration links on Recreation.gov will close three days prior to each hike. 

Hikers can expect to cover three miles in the outings that last three to four hours. The trek is moderately strenuous, with 360 feet of elevation change.

The 7,472-acre Headwaters Forest Reserve protects the world’s last intact, old-growth redwood forest ecosystems. It supports threatened species including coho salmon, the northern spotted owl and the marbled murrelet.

The BLM Arcata Field Office manages the Reserve in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to protect old-growth redwood groves, other forest stands, creeks, and wildlife.

 Date: February 15, 2025
 Time: 8 AM – 3 PM
 Location: Amboy Crater, (off Route 66)

Help BLM improve trails at Amboy Crater, including finalizing the overflow parking trail and starting a full loop around the crater.

 What to Bring: Lunch, work gloves, and a tool (rake, shovel, or broom).
 Leave No Trace Trainer on-site for optional training sessions.
 Volunteers on-site all weekend!

 More Info: BLM Needles Field Office – 760-326-7000
 Email: BLM_CA_WEB_NE@blm.gov

SUSANVILLE, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary emergency closure on part of the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail in response to a rockslide that has blocked the route about three miles west of the Susanville Trailhead.

“We are going to need heavy equipment to remove these boulders, some of which are nearly the size of a small car,” said Emily Ryan, manager of the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office in Susanville.  “We also need to stabilize the hillside to reduce the chances of more falling rock. We ask that people stay out of the slide area for their own safety.”

Trail access is still available from the Susanville Trailhead to the slide area, and from the Devil’s Corral Trailhead.  The BLM asks that trail users monitor conditions and stay off the trail when it is muddy.                

ARCATA, Calif.  — The Bureau of Land Management is advising Lost Coast Trail hikers in the King Range National Conservation Area to be vigilant near three active landslide areas north of the Black Sands Beach Trailhead in Shelter Cove, and to consider postponing their hike.

Mud, rock and woody debris have been falling onto the trail in areas between Sea Lion Gulch and Randall Creek, and between Shipman Creek and Gitchell Creek. The slides are most active during and after rainstorms, and beach stretches can be impassable. The largest of these slides spans the entire beach about a half-mile north of the Black Sands Beach trailhead in an area popular for day hikes.

“In some areas the slides can block narrow stretches of beach,” said BLM Arcata Field Manager Collin Ewing.  “Hikers should consider whether to proceed with their trip. If proceeding, they should assess conditions in slide areas and avoid the temptation to cross the landslides.”

Ewing stressed the importance of contacting the King Range Visitor Center, 707-986-5400, for information on trail conditions, tides, and creek levels before heading out.

The Lost Coast Trail is one of the few coastal hiking trails in the nation. There are no fees or permits required for day hiking, but overnight trips require permits available through www.recreation.gov.

The King Range also offers 80 miles of upland trails. Most are strenuous hikes due to the rugged nature of the King Range. Descriptions and conditions are available in the roads and trails report.

SUSANVILLE, Calif. — Opportunities to enjoy peaking fall colors along the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail, await hikers and bike riders, as the Bureau of Land Management and Lassen Rural Bus offer their annual fall colors bike ride and shuttle, Saturday, Oct. 26. The BLM will shuttle bikes and the bus will carry riders from Susanville to ride starting points on the trail.

Participants should meet at 8:15 a.m. at the historic Susanville Depot, 601 Richmond Road. The bus and shuttle depart promptly at 8:30 a.m. There are small separate fees for the bus and bike shuttles.  Exact change is encouraged.

The bus and bike shuttle will stop at Devil’s Corral Trailhead, Fredonyer Summit and near Westwood, where participants can ride seven, 18 or 25 miles back to Susanville.

Participants should dress in layers for changing weather conditions. Forecasts show morning temperatures at or near freezing, with midday temperatures climbing to the 60s.

The bike ride is ideal for families. The Bizz Johnson Trail route is mostly downhill or flat on a smooth gravel surface. The BLM recommends wide-tired or hybrid bikes. 

To reserve space on the bus and shuttle space for bikes, contact the BLM in Susanville at 530-257-0456.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. –  The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Office is lifting the emergency closure of the Creek Campground, a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, and Canebrake Road in Tulare County.  The closures were in place for public and firefighter safety in relation to the management of the SQF Lightning Complex Fire and are no longer necessary due to the lack of fire progression.  The closures are lifted as of Tues., Aug. 13.  Long Valley Campground and Long Valley Loop road remain closed. 

The SQF Lightning Complex Fire started Tuesday, July 13, and has burned more than 32,000 acres of short grass and brush near the Chimney Peak Recreation Area.  The Trout Fire is 70 percent contained; the Long Fire is 98 percent contained; resources remain on the ground and both fires are being monitored by air.

Public and wildland firefighter safety are the BLM’s highest priority.  Be aware firefighting crews and emergency vehicles remain in the area.  For the latest information on the SQF Lightning Complex Fire, visit InciWeb.

DOYLE, Calif. – Up to 200 riders are expected to participate in the Diamond Back Hare Scrambles motorcycle race, Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17, at the Bureau of Land Management Fort Sage Off-Highway Vehicle Area near Doyle. Trail access will be available only to participants, while the races are underway.

Spectators are welcome at designated viewing areas at the Widowmaker Trailhead. Participants and visitors can camp overnight at the trailhead.  Single-day visitors will use parking areas along access roads.

“We have worked with race organizers to lay out a course that provides challenges, while avoiding adverse natural resource impacts,” said Emily Ryan, manager of the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office in Susanville.  “We are pleased to provide this site for competitive dirt bike riders.”

To reach the Widowmaker Trailhead, take the Laver Crossing Road (just north of Doyle) east from Highway 395. Turn right on Hackstaff Road, then turn left onto Fort Sage Road and follow signs about eight miles to the trailhead.

The Lassen Motorcycle Club and American Motorcyclist Association sponsor this race under a special recreation permit from the BLM. The organizers will provide course marshals, and the BLM will provide law enforcement rangers and staff to help monitor the event.

For more information, telephone Marisa Williams at the BLM office in Susanville, 530-252-5303. More information about the Fort Sage Off-Highway Vehicle Area is available by visiting https://www.blm.gov/visit/fort-sage.