Six Rivers National Forest

Overview

Six Rivers National Forest spans nearly one million acres in northwestern California, stretching 140 miles from the Oregon border south through Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity, and Siskiyou counties. Named after six major rivers (Smith, Klamath, Trinity, Eel, Van Duzen, and Mad), the forest is open and currently operating with fire restrictions lifted as of October 1, 2025 due to recent precipitation and cooler conditions. The forest is divided into four ranger districts (Gasquet, Orleans/Ukonom, Lower Trinity, and Mad River), though district office front desk visitor services operate on limited schedules. Key alerts include a 14-consecutive-day camping limit in most areas and a Trinity Alps Wilderness order for resource protection. The forest offers 2,500 miles of roads and 250 miles of trails, four wilderness areas, 365 miles of wild and scenic rivers, and sixteen family campgrounds. Cell reception is minimal to non-existent throughout most of the forest, so plan accordingly and contact ranger stations before heading out. Road conditions can change rapidly, and some forest roads may close with little notice due to weather or maintenance. Christmas tree permits are currently available through Recreation.gov starting November 1.