Pillsbury-Indian Dick (FR M1) — Upper Lake in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California
Pillsbury-Indian Dick (FR M1) — Upper Lake in CA
A 50.1-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Mendocino County, CA. The road is open seasonally, September 9 to May 17.
Mendocino National Forest, Upper Lake Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days.
35.3 of the 50.1 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. 22.3 of the 50.1 miles in are dirt. Climbs 14,500 ft over 50.1 miles -- sustained grades near 14%, with pitches to 47%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~180 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 88 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. Water crossings 52.5 and 77.7 miles in. A gate 54.7 miles in, signed private. Locked gates 86.9, 94.7, 97 and 97.3 miles in, signed private.
Exposed here -- the nearest through road is 0.1 miles off. A body of water lies 0.7 mi off. Solomon Peak stands 2,816 ft above the site, 6.3 miles east. Travellers have camped along here. The nearest town, Covelo, is 17 mi off.
September normals 50–78°F, 0.5″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Mendocino National Forest, Upper Lake Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov