Private timberland access restrictions in Northern California due to fire risk
Status of restrictions: CURRENTLY IN PLACE ON COLLINS LANDS.
You may pass through on the Pacific Crest Trail but no camping, campfires, use of stoves and ignition sources, smoking, or stopping for extended periods of time is allowed on lands owned by Sierra Pacific Industries and Collins. Off the PCT, these private lands are fully closed to public access due to the risk of wildfire.
Sierra Pacific Industries and Collins are major owners of private forestlands. These companies implement closures and restrictions, typically every summer, when fire danger is high. This usually happens around the time that CAL FIRE increases restrictions.
You must travel carefully and continuously across their lands. This access is only for the PCT.
Terms of access include:
- You may pass through Sierra Pacific Industries and Collins lands on the Pacific Crest Trail. - The following activities are NOT allowed: camping, campfires, use of stoves and ignition sources, smoking, or stopping for extended periods of time.
Please check their websites for the latest information
Please check whether you are on public land before camping in Northern California
The Pacific Crest Trail passes through Sierra Pacific Industries and Collins lands at various points in Northern California. It is especially common in between I-80 and Sierra City, around Highway 36 near Chester, and between McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park and Mushroom Rock (~mile 1450). While it’s always important to be safe with campfires (drown, stir, feel) and stoves, this year it’s even more important because we’re in a critical drought. You should assume that all campfires are banned unless you are sure that they are allowed.
