Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County South Los Padres National Forest

• Camp Type: Trail Camp
• Topo Map Link: White Ledge Peak
• Elevation: 2800 feet
• Wilderness Area: Non Wilderness Area
• County: Santa Barbara County
• Ranger District: Santa Barbara Ranger District
• Longitude: -119.4985794693809
• Latitude: 34.47565999216965
• Water Sources: Good year round water in most sections of Alder Creek. Always flowing about 100 yards downstream of camp.
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Reservations: Trail Camp

Recent Water Reports:

Date	Surveyor	Water Report
05-28-2022	Smitty	Flowing
04-01-2022	Adam Donald	Flowing
11-19-2021	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
06-19-2021	John Smith	Flowing
03-05-2021	Anonymous Surveyor	Flowing
05-09-2020	Peter C	Flowing
04-12-2020	James	Flowing
07-04-2019	Casey P	Flowing
05-28-2019	Chris B	Flowing
11-05-2018	Jonathan Rocque	Flowing
02-23-2018	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
07-15-2017	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
06-10-2017	Anonymous Surveyor	Flowing
06-02-2017	Anonymous Surveyor	Flowing
12-04-2016	Anonymous Surveyor	Flowing
08-11-2016	Anonymous Surveyor	Trickle
06-04-2016	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
05-24-2016	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
04-23-2016	Ben Crop	Flowing
11-21-2015	Melissa Ellis	Trickle
11-10-2015	Valerie Norton	Flowing

Photo: Adam Donald

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Survey This Camp

Description:

Since the closure of Romero Camuesa Road (5N15.1) to vehicular traffic, Alder Creek Camp has become much more remote than it once was. Although only about 1.2 miles from the North Franklin Trailhead, the camp now must be accessed 8.8 miles away at the South Franklin Trailhead in Carpinteria. It can also be accessed via long road walks or bike/hike combo from Romero Saddle and Matilija Canyon Road. As of 2021, the camp contains a new picnic table, sign, and space for a few tents.

This camp was undoubtedly named on behalf of the local Alder Tree population, which exists here because of a permanent water supply. The flume north of camp carries water from Alder Creek into Jameson Lake, the water supply for Montecito. The site was originally established as a camp of "Dad Ramey" (or possibly, "Ramie"), a Carpinterian who built the Alder Creek Trail in order to connect the Franklin Canyon Trail with Juncal Marietta Divide Trail, and the Santa Ynez River at Billiard Flats. The site was then further developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps for the Forest Service.

 

Survey Photos:

• 
  Valerie Norton - 11-10-2015
  
• 
  Ben Crop - 04-23-2016
  
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 05-24-2016
  Newly fashioned shovel at camp, courtesy MTF.
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 05-24-2016
  The Camp
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 05-24-2016
  Creek flowing nicely in nearby tributary.
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 05-24-2016
  The Camp 2
• 
  Anonymous Surveyor - 08-11-2016
  the campsite
• 
  Anonymous Surveyor - 08-11-2016
  back down the trail
• 
  Anonymous Surveyor - 12-04-2016
  
• 
  Anonymous Surveyor - 12-04-2016
  
• 
  Anonymous Surveyor - 12-04-2016
  
• 
  Anonymous Surveyor - 12-04-2016
  
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 07-15-2017
  Crapper in the Trail
• 
  Jonathan Rocque - 11-05-2018
  Fire pit and downed tree
• 
  Jonathan Rocque - 11-05-2018
  The old crapper. Life sprouting from a dead tree
• 
  Jonathan Rocque - 11-05-2018
  Looking up through camp from the North entrance
• 
  Jonathan Rocque - 11-05-2018
  Trail visible on the left and blocked by downed branches
• 
  Jonathan Rocque - 11-05-2018
  Debris in path
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 02-23-2018
  The "new" shovel burned
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 02-23-2018
  Alder showing the hazard trees
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 02-23-2018
  The old toilet, which is pretty much in the trail
• 
  Casey P - 07-04-2019
  The Humboldt Lilies in bloom
• 
  Casey P - 07-04-2019
  Camp site view from a tree
• 
  John Smith - 06-19-2021
  Alder Creek, about 200ft down from Alder Creek Camp
• 
  Adam Donald - 04-01-2022
  
• 
  Adam Donald - 04-01-2022
  

Submitted Camp Reports

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 05-28-2022 - by Smitty

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	05-28-2022
Surveyor Name:	Smitty
Camp Description:	Camp was pretty overgrown and there was a gauntlet of poison oak on the trail both above and below the camp. Fire pit shove was intact and the picnic table is in really good shape. Franklin trail needs love.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Pretty good flow just downhill from the camp.
Weather Conditions:

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 04-01-2022 - by Adam Donald

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	04-01-2022
Surveyor Name:	Adam Donald
Camp Description:	Camp is clear and in good shape, though the ground is somewhat rocky in places.  Nice sign.  No water in the creek uphill from camp, but easy access to a nice flow of water in the creek just downhill from camp.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Creek is flowing starting ~100 yards below camp
Weather Conditions:	Warm during the day, cool but not cold at night
Images:

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 11-19-2021 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	11-19-2021
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	LPFA partnered with Scout Troop 50 to restore the camp at Alder. There is once again a table, sign, some cleared space and a redone fire ring. Great work scouts! Enjoy........
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	We've never heard of Alder being completely dry, there is usually water in the drainage downstream from the camp.
Weather Conditions:

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 06-19-2021 - by John Smith

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	06-19-2021
Surveyor Name:	John Smith
Camp Description:	Franklin Trail, from Carpinteria High School to Jameson Lake Water Water flowing about 200ft down the trail from Alder Camp. (Approx. 34.475648,-119.497419). Enough to fill the water bottle. Further down (towards Jameson Lake), the flow gets stronger, there are some very small waterfalls. Shade No shade from Carpinteria High School to Alder Creek. Nice and shady from Alder Camp to Murietta Juncal Rd. No shade on Murietta Juncal Rd. Trail Trail is in passable condition from Carpinteia High School to Alder Camp. A stretch from Alder Camp to Murietta Juncal Rd is overgrown. Trail is marked with tape. Going towards Jameson Lake is doable, going uphill, it's harder to see the tape. Have to cross a couple of fallen logs.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:	Alder Creek, about 200ft down from Alder Creek Camp

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 03-05-2021 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	03-05-2021
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:	Camp was in rough shape a lot of over grown brush
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	it was flowing down the canyon from camp
Weather Conditions:

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 05-09-2020 - by Peter C

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	05-09-2020
Surveyor Name:	Peter C
Camp Description:	On a bike trip, I carried/wheeled my bike down from Divide Peak OHV road, down Franklin Trail to Alder Creek and then to Jameson Lake. The trail was very overgrown above the campsite, not rideable though. That part of the trail was ok and not too hard to follow.  However, below the campsite things are a different matter. Trail is washed out in many places, including spots high above creek, and was also severely overgrown to the point of not be locatable in many areas.  Washouts required descending to creek and then scrambling up slopes through vegetation. Had to carry, instead of wheel, the bike through long sections. In all, about 40% of the lower part was not on trail, but instead bushwhacking or creek hopping.Â
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Flowing strongly 1/4 mile below Alder Creek campsite
Weather Conditions:	75 and sunny

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 04-12-2020 - by James

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	04-12-2020
Surveyor Name:	James
Camp Description:	Trail is faint, easy to lose in a few spots, lots of poison oak in camp.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Creek flowing very well
Weather Conditions:

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 07-04-2019 - by Casey P

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	07-04-2019
Surveyor Name:	Casey P
Camp Description:	Camp was pretty overgrown and hard to find.  Beware the hazard trees.  And there were flies.  Other than those minor adventure-making aspects, a very enjoyable stop.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Water flowing at the junction just South (downstream) of camp
Weather Conditions:
Images:	The Humboldt Lilies in bloom Camp site view from a tree

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 05-28-2019 - by Chris B

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	05-28-2019
Surveyor Name:	Chris B
Camp Description:	Access up to camp through Franklin trail coming from Jameson Lake is heavily washed out in parts and heavily overgrown. Can be incredibly difficult to ascend up through the creek and valley; trail needs to be remarked and cleared.  Heavy on bugs.Â
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Water flowing steadily, easy access for filtration
Weather Conditions:

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 11-05-2018 - by Jonathan Rocque

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	11-05-2018
Surveyor Name:	Jonathan Rocque
Camp Description:	Camp is in very bad shape relative to the last pictures posted.  The fire devastated many of the trees and there were downed trunks and branches all around.  There's clear evidence of mud and debris flows through camp.  There wasn't a single readily accessible flat campsite and we managed to clear a small area near the fire pit.  This camp needs some serious rehabilitation and can be improved by clearing the debris, cutting downed trees and leveling a few sites.  On the bright side, many burned trees have new growth from the roots and several oaks are greening up again.  In addition, the creek was flowing well which was appreciated after 10 mile hike to camp.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Water is flowing gently through the creek
Weather Conditions:	Very warm, 80s during the day and high 50s at night
Images:	Fire pit and downed tree The old crapper. Life sprouting from a dead tree Looking up through camp from the North entrance Trail visible on the left and blocked by downed branches Debris in path

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 02-23-2018 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	02-23-2018
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Scouted North Franklin Trail and Alder Creek in February as part of a BAER assessment.  Alder Creek Camp was pretty messed up.  Water was flowing good through camp but there were a lot of dead snag trees around camp that could be hazardous.  Keep an eye on those and camp in safe locations.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	Chilly and windy
Images:	The "new" shovel burned Alder showing the hazard trees The old toilet, which is pretty much in the trail

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 07-15-2017 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	07-15-2017
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Alder was clean and tidy but its usual dark self with not a lot of room to spread out.  Water was flowing both in the creek below the camp and the tributary just down stream from the camp. The camp crapper is located in the trail about 10 yards above the camp.  Would be nice to move that and install it in a more appropriate place.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	mid-90's, hot and smoky from the Whittier Fire
Images:	Crapper in the Trail

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 06-10-2017 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	06-10-2017
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:	Creek still flowing well. Poison oak on the trail, and around the campsite is a drag. We cleared some, but there is plenty more.... We were there the same day as the private plane crash nearby, hope pilot recovers well.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 06-02-2017 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	06-02-2017
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:	Bugs were relentlessÂ
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Still flowing pretty strong
Weather Conditions:

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 12-04-2016 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	12-04-2016
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	At the camp is dry but flowing nicely just downtrail from the camp.
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 08-11-2016 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	08-11-2016
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:	Spot for a 1 person tent that is flat, anything bigger the ground is pretty slanted. Plenty of firewood around and rocks for sitting. The Santa Inez river was dry as well as the surrounding area, once near Alder Creek water was clear and flowing. The creek near the campsite had a strong sulfur-egg odor, but water further down was clean and clear. The trail Alder Creek is decently maintained but about 1 mile up  with a very sketchy area where rocks and shale make passing treacherous--still accessible--but do so with care.Â
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:	Trickle in some, Flowing further down the trail
Weather Conditions:	MIld 70-80 degrees
Images:	the campsite back down the trail

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 06-04-2016 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	06-04-2016
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Water still flowing nicely in both the tributary and the main creek.  Water also along most of the course of the trail.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	Low 90's and HOT but not that hot, certainly doable and shady at the camp.

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 05-24-2016 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	05-24-2016
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Hiked up to Alder Creek Camp from the Jameson Trailhead in order to scout the trail for an upcoming trail project.  The camp was clean and in great shape.  It has received some recent special attention courtesy of a MTF special task force.  Water was flowing nicely in both the main creek as well as the nearby downstream tributary.  Great camp, lots of shade, nice place to go when the weather heats up.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	High 70's, warm, slight breeze, pleasant.
Images:	Newly fashioned shovel at camp, courtesy MTF. The Camp Creek flowing nicely in nearby tributary. The Camp 2

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 04-23-2016 - by Ben Crop

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	04-23-2016
Surveyor Name:	Ben Crop
Camp Description:	The lower approach trail was overgrown.  We did out best to clear the way and added cairns where the trail changed due to down trees.  So much poison oak!  The allergic should beware; it was everywhere and there was no way to hike the trail to the camp without interacting with it.  It was even growing in the campsite itself.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Small stream about 6 inches deep, no signs of slowing; plenty of water at the lower end of the trail.
Weather Conditions:	Very windy, 70deg F at noon, 40 deg F at night
Images:

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 11-21-2015 - by Melissa Ellis

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	11-21-2015
Surveyor Name:	Melissa Ellis
Camp Description:	We tried to access Alder Creek Camp from the Franklin Trail connector off of the Divide Peak OHV trail with the hopes of looping back. Unfortunately we never made it to the camp. The Franklin Trail from Divide Peak is completely overgrown, we found an area that most likely was once the trail head where there was evidence of long ago sawed off branches but the shrubs have since grown to over 6 feet high. Down the canyon some we could again see a hint of a trail under the power lines but no path to get there. Some trail clearing with hack saws and the like is required to make this passable again.
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:	unknown (couldn't submit form without picking a water source option)
Weather Conditions:

Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County Survey - 11-10-2015 - by Valerie Norton

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Santa Barbara County
Date:	11-10-2015
Surveyor Name:	Valerie Norton
Camp Description:	Camp is just a small clearing along trail with rock fire ring and a couple built flat spots.  Water can be found below the camp about a tenth of a mile and comes down a different canyon.  Water in the bottom near the flume is flowing much better, but by the camp it is a clear stream even if the flow is a bit light.  There was a toilet, but now the seat is loose and there are no clues as to where it should be.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	low flow, but clear
Weather Conditions:	cooler than surroundings
Images:

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