Backpack Snow Mountain Wilderness

Snow Mountain Wilderness offers dispersed camping which gives one the freedom to camp anywhere in the wilderness area. It is also far from the Sierras and sees fairly decent weather.

Day 1:Driving up from San Francisco, take I-280 N to I-80 to I-505 then I-5 N. From I-5, take exit 586 and take Maxwell Sites Rd , Sites Lodoga Rd, and Lodoga Stonyford Rd to Forest Rte 18N01. We decided to stop at Dixie Glade Campground which is clearly marked on the right side of the road. There were several car camping sties there. Since we got in fairly late leaving after work on a Friday night, we just decided to set up camp there for the night. The campground had a $5 fee and was complete with two outhouses, picnic tables, and fire pits.

Day 2:The trail towards Cedar Camp gradually ascends from Dixie Glade. There is a small stream crossing about a half mile in. We were able to hop across some rocks but later in the winter the water level may be higher and require a more technical crossing. Morale-Buster Hill provides a challenging climb but soon after there is a great spot to have lunch atop the ridge complete with a panoramic view of sprawling Mendocino National Forest. The trail leads upwards through several switchbacks. I went in November and happened to see my first snow of the year! The trail levels out and leads through several clearings until you come upon Cedar Camp which has a clear campsite outfitted with log seating around a fire pit. The camp is fairly far from any water source but we melted snow to use for dinner and drinks. We were treated to a beautiful sunset which peeked through the ridge into a meadow next to camp.

Day 3:Sleep did not come easy as a rainstorm battered our camp all night. Luckily, we awoke to a winter wonderland. Snow had blanketed the surrounding area. We could have been more prepared for this but we made do. We made a cold yet beautiful descent back to Dixie Glade. The unexpected snowstorm had given us a good challenge but it had also been what had made our trip so beautiful. A trip like this wouldn't be complete without a few surprises. I guess we should have known that we would see some Snow when taking on Snow Mountain in November!