Forest Service staff joined volunteers to cut fallen logs out of off-highway trails as part of a trail revival work event at Upper Lake Ranger District, Mendocino National Forest, May 3, 2025. USDA Forest Service photos by Derrick Ray.

MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. — Each year thousands of visitors travel to the Mendocino National Forest, looking to escape the grind and craving adventure.

With its rugged off-road trails, scenic vistas and proximity to Sacramento and the Bay Area, the national forest has become a world-class destination in the off-road and overlanding communities.

But in 2018, a devastating wildfire destroyed much of the trail system in the southern half of the forest. And subsequent years of severe winter storms and bark beetle infestation have also taken a toll on these trails and roads.

So on May 3, 64 volunteers mobilized for a trail revival project organized by the Mendocino 4x4 Club, Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance, and onX Offroad.

“We are super pumped!” said Forest Service OHV Recreation Tech Derrick Ray in a welcome to volunteers as they gathered gear and supplies for a day on the trails.

It’s been a monumental effort by staff, partners and local volunteers to keep this premiere trail system open and safe for riders.

After the fires, volunteer groups reached out to support the USDA Forest Service and used official partnership agreements to ramp up their capacity.

This year, several volunteers received chainsaw training and certification to safely operate saws on Forest Service trails, a huge step forward for safety and public access.

It takes hard work and dedication to maintain a trail system that rises from creeks to mountain ridgetops through chaparral, oak woodland, and conifer forests. Add to that the constant job of clearing brush from trails and removing downed trees that fall during frequent high winds.

“After the Ranch Fire in 2018 burned through basically every trail on the district, the only way we are going to succeed with our OHV program is with volunteers,” said Deputy District Ranger Terry Nickerson.

After a solid day’s effort, volunteers cleared 21 miles of trails and put in a collective 170 hours of work. And that’s just one day’s worth of trail clearing. Through much of the fall and spring riding seasons, riders will continue to volunteer and help clear trails.

A volunteer prunes overgrown shrubs off of trail for better visibility and safer riding conditions as part of a trail revival work event at Upper Lake Ranger District, Mendocino National Forest, May 3, 2025. USDA Forest Service photos by Derrick Ray.

Trails for all levels

Along the North Coast Mountains, there are plenty of destinations for riders to explore, whether on a dirt bike, motorcycle, side by side, dual sport or Jeep. Look for beginner level green trails to challenging blue trails, to the most challenging black diamond trails.

But don’t get too distracted by the views and historic fire lookouts. When you’re out riding, be aware of your surroundings and anticipate other riders or downed trees around the corner. Anyone visiting the forest should check the website alerts for potential closures and stop by a ranger station to get the latest on trail conditions.

“These trails are a world class OHV destination,” said Nickerson. “We ask everyone to practice responsible riding and to leave the facilities better than you found them, so they can be enjoyed by the next person.”

Anyone interested in volunteering to help with trail maintenance can reach out to the forest and district offices to learn about upcoming opportunities.

Volunteers at a trail revival work event at Upper Lake Ranger District, Mendocino National Forest, May 3, 2025. USDA Forest Service photos by Derrick Ray.