LPFA April Forest Update

Posted on by Addison Jerlow

The higher elevation destinations are waking up and looking for visitors…. photo, AddisonJ

Hello Friends,

It’s been a fast-paced spring in the Los Padres. In many corners of the forest, it seems we’ve skipped straight from January to June. There’s still good water flowing, even in ephemeral creeks, but it’s definitely slowing. And the foxtails and late season wildflowers are out in full force. Also out and making headlines are our local southern pacific rattlesnakes. More on that below, as well as news from around the Forest. 

With spring coming to an early close, we hope you find the time to get out and explore that trail, road, creek or peak that’s been on your Los Padres list this year. And we hope to see you soon on one of LPFA’s many upcoming projects….

Team LPFA

They sure blend in well, don’t they? And that’s exactly what they want to do: stay hidden and have nothing to do with us as we walk on by….

Rattlesnake Bites

There have been seven reported rattlesnake bites in southern California this spring, two of which resulted in fatalities. Three of those bites occurred in the Los Padres: Rose Valley, Cold Spring Trail, and Buena Vista Trail. Why does it seem like there have been more bites than usual this spring?

  • Spring came early this year. With lots of early season precip followed by unusually high temperatures from January – March, snakes seemed to leave their dens earlier than usual.
  • Unusually warm temperatures may have encouraged more people to get outside and enjoy the trails, increasing the likelihood of bites.
  • More people are using headphones while hiking, running, and biking, limiting their situational awareness and ability to hear the warning rattle.

To learn more about rattlesnakes and how to act around them, check out this excellent presentation by Dr. Emily Taylor of Central Coast Snake Services. If you’re curious about the experience of a rattlesnake bite, we have an interview with a hiker who was bitten in the Sespe a few years back. Remember to stay aware of your surroundings and treat snakes with respect while out on the trails. And if you do get bit: stay calm, don’t move, and call for help.

And the News Continues….

  • Authorities are investigating the suspicious death of a hiker found near Sykes Hot Springs in the Ventana Wilderness on April 9th. The Pine Ridge Trail was closed for one day while recovery efforts were under way, but is now considered safe and reopened to the public. This is an ongoing investigation, and the public is encouraged to contact Detective R. Geng at 831-755-3700 or submit a tip through the Monterey County Sheriff’s website.
  • A hiker’s dog went missing near Cienega Camp on the Big Sur Trail following the hiker’s rescue by Big Sur Fire on Friday, April 10th. If you or a friend will be in the area soon, please keep an eye (and ear) out for Ruger, the friendly missing pup.
  • Condors in Big Sur are doing well! The Ventana Wildlife Society says the central coast Condor population stands at 114 individuals, 20 birds higher since the 2020 Dolan Fire that had a major effect on the population. Breeding season is underway and the largest threat to the population is still lead poisoning from ammunition. Spread the word about non-lead ammunition!
  • Seasonal Gates across the Los Padres are set to open on May 1st. Due to the dry winter, a few gates have already opened for the season: Santa Barbara Canyon Road, First Crossing, and the roads around Tecuya Ridge. Make sure to call the District Office to ensure gates are open before you make your way to your favorite trailhead….
  • The LPFA Trail Crew and our awesome volunteers have been busy the past few weeks working a variety of trails across the Los Padres. This weekend alone we’re working Boulder Canyon, Chorro Grande and continuing work in condor country along the Pothole Trail. As always, we take trail requests. If you have a trail you’d like to see worked or know of any downed trees or landslides blocking the trails, please let us know: INFO@LPForest.org.

Did we mention there’s still lots of water out there? photo, IanJ

Reyes Peak Trail Overnight: Apr 23 – 26

For the week of Earth Day, LPFA will be leading a 4-day backcountry project on the Reyes Peak Trail on Pine Mountain in the Sespe Wilderness! This is sure to be a great one. Conifer forest, panoramic views, and the rare opportunity to camp with water up high on Haddock Peak. Get the details and sign up below!

Reyes Peak Signup!
  • April 16– This month’s Trail Talk at the Santa Barbara Public Library with biologist John Storrer on More Mesa: Trails, Natural Resources, and Conservation.
  • April 18 – State Trails Day in the City of Santa Barbara will take place at Parma Park from 8:30am – 1pm! Check out the details and make sure to RSVP….
  • April 19 – LPFA will have a booth at the Ojai Earth Day at Libbey Park from 1 – 5pm. Stop by and say hi!
  • April 22 – LPFA will be partnering with the Ojai Ranger District to lead a trash and micro trash cleanup of Tar Creek this Earth Day! The plan is to meet at 9am and work until around 2pm. It’s not too often we get to head to this locale. If you’re free next Wednesday, make sure you sign up!
  • April 23 – LPFA will be leading a day project on the Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail! We’re putting the finishing touches on this family-friendly Ojai-area trail. We’ll meet at the trailhead at 8:30am. Sign on up and see you out there….
  • April 23 – The Forest Service is hosting a memorial cleanup event to celebrate Patrick Lieske, a Forest Service Biologist who passed away in 2024. The event will be from 9am – 1pm located at the Glass Factory on East Camino Cielo and focus on cleaning up micro trash, shooting trash, and roadside trash. Email VOLUNTEER@LPForest.org to sign up and get the details!
  • May 2 – Join LPFA on Potrero John Trail for the day! We’ll be leading a day trip to brush the trail up near Potrero John Camp. This is a wonderfully scenic canyon below Haddock Peak. Don’t miss out! Get the details here.
  • May 2 – LPFA will be partnering with the Runners for Public Lands for a clean up of the Lower Santa Ynez Recreation Area between First Crossing and Red Rock! We’ll be out there cleaning up trash and enjoying the river from 9am to 1pm. Sign up here to join the party.

Really. Still tons and tons of water. Get after it…. photo, IanJ