Mendocino Discovery Corridor

Total Miles
43.6

Elevation

1,747.95 ft

Duration

--

Technical Rating

5

Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Show in App
Mendocino Discovery Corridor
19

Trail Overview

A 44-mile east-to-west route through Mendocino National Forest. Starting at Stonyford OHV Staging Area and ending at Middle Creek OHV Staging Area. Great views of mountains, valleys, and Clear Lake towards the end. Campsites are plentiful along the route. The trail does get increasingly narrow as you traverse previous wildfire deadfall and debris. Phone service is spotty at best; download offline maps for the area.

Photos of Mendocino Discovery Corridor

Mendocino Discovery Corridor
Mendocino Discovery Corridor

Difficulty

(Winter Run): Both ends of the trail are fairly easy (3) but the middle section of the trail was covered in snow and mud boosting the difficulty to at least a (4-5). Expect pinstripes from the narrow track and deadfall lining the trail. Some areas are not well maintained and need trees/limbs cleared away to progress.

Technical Rating

5

Status Reports

M W
Nov 17, 2024
4x4
Open
Muddy/Wet
Rough/Deteriorated
Very long trail. You could do it all in a day if you arrive early however definitely worth camping and making it a 2 day. There are a few side missions you could explore to add more difficulty and exploration. There was a medium sized down tree and we moved/broke the branch to pass. Other than that trail was clear of obstacles and cover maneuver around down trees. Very wet and a handful of puddles. Totally doable.
Benjamin Hernandez
Nov 17, 2024
4x4
Open
The entire route was open, there were no fallen trees blocking the way. There was a lot of fog, and halfway along the route it started to drizzle. I started the route from the Upper Lake entrance at 12 pm, finished the route recommended by the app at 5 pm, I definitely recommend camping at least one night to enjoy the trip. The experience was great. Toyota 4Runner 3rd Gen SR5 2’’ lift
Phoenix Hin
Nov 10, 2024
4x4
Obstructed
Downed Tree
Large Downed tree halfway through. Needs to be pulled off the trail, already cut by chainsaw. Lots of smaller downed trees, need around 1.5-2ft of clearance. Road typically 1 car width wide.
Brandon Pieroni
Oct 27, 2024
4x4
Open
Muddy/Wet
Rough/Deteriorated
Be advised if you’re doing the whole 43 miles about midway (if your going west to east) there is a good amount of steep switchbacks with loose rocks and at one point a larger 1.5 ft tall tree root obstructing the the uphill path. I would refrain from going when raining hard as I did. Be ready with a chain and chain saw to pull trees out of the way that may have recently fallen. 4x4 high clearance required in the midsection especially if wet. However 80% of the trail most can’t be done without high clearance or 4x4. Performed this trail in a stock 2002 LX470 (Land Cruiser).

Access Description

If meeting up with other vehicles, there are staging areas at both ends of the track. It is recommended to travel East to West on this trail.

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