South Fork Mountain Road Free Permit Process

Subscribe RSS Icon | What is RSS
Date: June 2, 2008
Contact: Jim Milestone, (530)242-3460

On June 1, 2008, the National Park Service will be closing the gate on South Fork Mountain Road to motor vehicles approximately ¼ mile north of State Highway 299. Only official vehicles, businesses, and residents will be allowed access in motor vehicles on the road. This temporary closure will be in effect until the fall of 2008. Hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and in-season hunters are welcome to use the road and access the area for appropriate recreational purposes.

For those individuals that wish to cross through the park to access the lands beyond the park boundary or those park visitors with a valid disability card can request a day use permit for vehicle access through the South Fork Mountain gate. Day use permits are available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Park Headquarters. Entry through the gate for Saturday or Sunday must be obtained prior to the weekend, at the above mentioned times. The Chief Ranger’s Office issues the permits. A valid driver’s license and vehicle license number must be provided as proof of registration. Permits are not issued through the Park’s Visitor Center. To obtain a permit, please call the Chief Ranger’s Office at 530-242-3413.

According to Superintendent Jim Milestone, “the gate closure on South Fork Mountain is one more tool, in our tool box to assist the National Park Service rangers in reducing opportunities for illegal marijuana cultivation in the park. The National Park Service, working with Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, is putting a tremendous amount of resources into trying to prevent marijuana cultivation from occurring throughout the county.”

Since 2001, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area has been raiding illegal marijuana cultivation sites with Shasta County Sheriff’s Department. The cultivation sites cause water and stream pollution; growers kill deer and black bears, and large amounts of trash and human waste is left behind for park staff to clean-up. Marijuana sites in Whiskeytown are a major threat to park resources and to the Youth of Shasta County. South Fork Mountain Road is a popular destination for long-distance runners, mountain bikers and horse back riding.

Please contact the Superintendent’s Office at 530-242-3460 with questions or comments.



Last updated: March 1, 2015

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 188
Whiskeytown, CA 96095

Phone:

530 242-3400

Contact Us