Pillsbury-Indian Dick Road

Pillsbury-Indian Dick Road has a lot to offer all levels of explorers, providing all forms of camping, including designated dispersed sites with cement pads and limitless trials in the area. Pillsbury-Indian Dick Road starts as a scenic drive around Mendocino National Forest's largest lake, Lake Pillsbury. The initial trip around the lake is a slow, mostly paved drive, allowing for beautiful views, including ample wildlife, mountains, and vegetation. Once past the lake, the trail turns to rough dirt, so high clearance will be needed. Thanks to the maintenance of the Forest Service, this trail has no technical sections, allowing for an easy, relaxing drive during the dry months. Due to past wildfires, downed trees are likely to block the road. Pillsbury-Indian Dick Road transitions from high-elevation shelf roads to rolling hills. You will cross the Mendocino Pass/Alder Springs Road at the Black Butte River Ranch approximately halfway through. Black Butte River Ranch has a small, seasonal store to restock basic supplies and offers designated campsites with basic facilities and clean water. This crossing provides an excellent opportunity to switch trails or return to pavement, allowing easy access to multiple highways. Choosing to continue Pillsbury-Indian Dick Road results in a there-and-back trail, with the northern half leading to The Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness.

Camping is abundant along Pilsbury-Indian Dick Road. There are multiple designated campsites with facilities and ample dispersed camping locations with year-round water access. A few of the designated camping areas even include concrete pads. This trail allows for endless options for dispersed camping with and without fire rings already established.