Most associate the generic term "California parks" with the state operated parks system that contains an inventory of over 270 parks and places maintained by State of California Parks Division (parks.ca.gov)
National parks in California are operated by the National Parks Service and in addition to the 8 national parks, there are 6 national monuments, 4 national historic trails, and a handful of national memorials, seashores and national recreation areas. (nps.gov)
Then the 58 counties in California manage land holdings in their county regions usually known as County Parks.
King Range National Conservation Area
- Hiking & Backpacking
The King Range contains over 80 miles of
hiking trails spanning from the beach to
the highest peaks. Most of the upland
trails are strenuous due to the steep
rugged nature of the area. In addition
to mileage, pay attention to the
elevation changes listed in the trail
descriptions. A number of connector
trails allow for loop hikes. The King
Range backcountry was designated as
official wilderness in 2006, so expect
no facilities and minimal signing on
trails. Some of the lesser used trails
(such as Rattlesnake Ridge, Spanish
Ridge and Cooskie Creek) may be somewhat
overgrown and difficult to follow. Its
best to carry a map and compass with
you, and call the BLM office before your
trip to get the latest trail conditions.
King Range National Conservation Area-
Bear Alert!
Black bears are becoming increasingly
aggressive and have recently torn into
backpacks and investigated tents in
search of food or other scented items.
These bears have learned that there is a
good probability of success with this
method. To stop this association of
humans with easy food access you MUST
use a hard sided bear-proof food storage
container (manufactured specifically for
this purpose) to store ALL food, trash,
toiletries (e.g. soap, sunscreen,
toothpaste) and other scented items.
Bears are very successful at retrieving
items hung in trees, buried in the
ground, covered with rocks or logs, and
left in tents or packs.
All dispersed use area visitors who are
camping are required to carry and use
hard-sided bearproof food storage
canisters. Canisters must be models
approved by the Sierra Interagency Black
Bear Group. Information on approved
models is available online at
www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/containers.htm
. The canisters must be of sufficient
size to permit storage of all food,
toiletries, sunscreen, dog food,
surfboard wax, insect repellent, and
other scented items for the duration of
the trip. Each person must possess a
minimum of one canister, and must use
the canister to store the above types of
items, plus any food scraps and scented
trash items such as empty cans,
energy/candy wrappers, surf wax wrappers
etc.
Bear canisters are required for every
backpacker in the King Range NCA.
Backpackers failing to use bear
canisters are subject to being fined (43
CFR 8365.1-6).
Please plan ahead. Bear canisters are
available for rent for $5.00 per
canister per trip with a $75.00 credit
card deposit per canister (required) at
the following locations: King Range NCA
Project Office (1/4 mile west of
Whitethorn Post Office on Shelter Cove
Rd), the Arcata Field Office (1695
Heindon Rd, Arcata), and the Petrolia
Store (5 miles from the Mattole
trailhead). Please note: Petrolia Store
accepts CASH ONLY for rental of cans.
During summer, bear cans may not be
available and can not be reserved so
plan accordingly.
You may return canisters to any of the
above locations during business hours.
NOTE: KING RANGE NCA PROJECT OFFICE HAS
A 24 HOUR DROP BOX. These canisters have
a 600 cubic inch capacity and provide
one person with storage for no more than
3 days worth of food, toiletries, etc.
It is your responsibility to properly
store all of the items listed above. The
bears will get anything left out!
Don't go hungry and contribute to the
altered behavior of these wild
creatures. Proper storage saves bears.
Report all incidents and sightings by
calling 707-986-5400 or emailing King
Range Project Office. Please contact us
if you have questions or for more
information.