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Los Padres National Forest

Beach Hazards Statement issued October 8 at 9:45PM PDT until October 12 at 2:00PM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA

October 8th, 9:45 PM — 3:00 PM

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, Up to 1.4 ft of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. For the Beach Hazards Statement, increased risk of rip currents and sneaker waves expected with breaking waves up to 16 feet. * WHERE...San Francisco, Northern Monterey Bay and Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast Counties. * WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 9 AM Friday to 3 PM PDT Tuesday. For the Beach Hazards Statement, from Saturday morning through Monday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected. High tides will result in flooding along coastal trails, cut off access to some low- lying beaches and coastal areas, and bring water and waves farther up the beach than typical. Dangerous conditions are forecast along the shoreline. Hazards include sneaker waves, strong rip currents, and large breaking waves. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...At the San Francisco tidal gauge, high tide is expected to be 1.2 ft above normal (7.1 ft MLLW) at 11:22 AM Friday 10/9, 1.4 ft above normal (7.3 ft MLLW) at 11:50 AM Saturday 10/10, 1.3 ft above normal (7.2 ft MLLW) at 12:18 PM Sunday 10/11, 1.2 ft above normal (7.1 ft MLLW) at 12:46 PM Monday 10/12, and 1.1 ft above normal (7.0 ft MLLW) at 1:14 PM Tuesday 10/13. These predictions include up to 1.2 ft of surge that will enhance the astronomical tide and flooding threat. High tide varies up to 90 minutes earlier or later along the Pacific Coast and through the San Francisco Bay, respectively.

Beach Hazards Statement issued October 8 at 1:10PM PDT until October 12 at 2:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA

October 8th, 1:10 PM — 3:00 PM

* WHAT...Minor tidal overflow flooding is expected. Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to elevated surf expected. * WHERE...San Luis Obispo County Beaches, Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches, Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast and Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast. * WHEN...From Saturday morning through Monday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Pooling of sea water is possible around high tide at beach and harbor areas that is uncommon with normal tidal ranges. Enhanced beach erosion is also possible. No significant damage is expected. There is an increased risk of ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats nearshore. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...High tides of 6.6 to 7.2 feet will be common each morning, with large secondary high tides in the evening hours.

Small Craft Advisory issued October 9 at 4:00AM PDT until October 11 at 9:00AM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA

4:00 AM — 12:00 PM

* WHAT...Northwest winds 20 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 8 to 10 ft expected. * WHERE...Coastal Waters from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas California out to 10 NM. * WHEN...From 9 AM Saturday to 9 AM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

Overview

Los Padres National Forest encompasses nearly 2 million acres across central California's Coast and Transverse Ranges, stretching 220 miles from Monterey to Kern County. The forest is currently open but with significant recent fire impacts and ongoing restrictions. The Gifford Fire (August 2025) burned 131,614 acres and reached 100% containment in late September, becoming California's largest fire of 2025. This followed the Madre Fire (July 2025) which burned over 80,000 acres and was declared out in late July. Area closures remain in effect from both fires, particularly affecting the Santa Lucia and Mt. Pinos Ranger Districts. Fire restrictions are active forest-wide through January 31, 2026, with additional restrictions in Santa Barbara front country through February 26, 2026 - campfires prohibited except at developed sites. The Sespe Condor Sanctuary remains closed to protect California Condor recovery. Highway 1 has partial closures near Big Sur due to rockslides. Many seasonal gates close December 1 and reopen May 1. Most recreation sites and campgrounds are open, though some areas like Figueroa Mountain trails, Lake Fire areas, and storm-damaged sections remain closed. Check district-specific conditions as accessibility varies significantly - the forest spans four distinct ranger districts with independent status updates.

Campgrounds

Aliso Park Campground American Canyon Arroyo Seco Arroyo Seco Group Campground Baja Ballinger Campground Barrel Springs Bates Canyon Bottchers Gap Brookshire Buck Spring CHULA VISTA Caballo Campground Campo Alto Campground Cerro Alto Campground China Camp Campground Chuchupate Campground Davy Brown Campground Dome Springs Campground Dutchman Campground Escondido Campground Figueroa Fremont Campground Goldhill Camping Area Halfmoon Campground Hardluck Holiday Group Campground Horseshoe Springs Campground

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