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Pine Valley Camp North Los Padres National Forest

  • Camp Type: Wilderness Trail Camp
  • Topo Map Link: Ventana Cones
  • Elevation: 3150 feet
  • Wilderness Area: Non Wilderness Area
  • County: Monterey County
  • Ranger District: Monterey Ranger District
  • Longitude: -121.6328736
  • Latitude: 36.30107232
  • Water Sources: Reliable water within the Carmel River
  • Length of Stay: 14 Days
  • Reservations: Wilderness Trail Camp

Recent Water Reports:

Date Surveyor Water Report
10-11-2023Chad SmithFlowing
07-08-2023Thomas V. DollenteFlowing
04-29-2022Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
01-07-2022Jesse RodriguezFlowing
02-15-2020NathanFlowing
01-27-2018HollyFlowing
11-06-2015J&VStagnant

Description:

Pine Valley is in many regards the central hub of the Ventana Wilderness, you might even say that all trails eventually lead to Pine Valley.  Most frequently accessed from China Camp trailhead, many backpackers also visit Pine Valley via the Pine Ridge or Carmel River trails.  Pine Valley is a large flat meadow dotted with rock outcroppings and pine trees.  It's also famous for having a small cabin owned by the famous Jack English.  Go online and research the history of this cabin, very interesting.  Pine Valley is also along the Condor Trail.

Survey Photos:


  • Holly - 01-27-2018
    Dandy camp

  • Jesse Rodriguez - 01-07-2022

  • Jesse Rodriguez - 01-07-2022

  • Jesse Rodriguez - 01-07-2022

  • Jesse Rodriguez - 01-07-2022

  • Jesse Rodriguez - 01-07-2022

  • Jesse Rodriguez - 01-07-2022

Submitted Camp Reports

Pine Valley Camp Survey - 10-11-2023 - by Chad Smith
Link: Pine Valley Camp
Date: 10-11-2023
Surveyor Name:Chad Smith
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Adequate flow, 1/2 foot deep
Weather Conditions:
Pine Valley Camp Survey - 07-08-2023 - by Thomas V. Dollente
Link: Pine Valley Camp
Date: 07-08-2023
Surveyor Name:Thomas V. Dollente
Camp Description:I've been told that in dry years, this creek can be fully dry by mid-summer.  Clearly in 2023, that's no a problem.  Lots of flow and lots of campsites.  I only stopped to get water, but have stayed here before.  
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Strong flow, over knee deep in places
Weather Conditions:
Pine Valley Camp Survey - 04-29-2022 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Pine Valley Camp
Date: 04-29-2022
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:As one of the headwater streems to the Carmel River, the stream was flowing with algae in many of the riffles indicating warmer waters. Below the camp towards the falls there were deeper pools with less algae though the mean high water mark based on shorline errosion and waterstains on rocks and trees indicated the river has seen much higher flows in the past.

Also as an FYI, I lost the tip to my Sage Fly rod between the last campsite in the valley and the falls. Please contact me if yoju find it. I'm happy to reward anyone who finds it intact a $100 finders fee, if I can get it back.

Thanks,
Dan
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details: Lower flows
Weather Conditions:Great weather in the 70s during the day, though dipping into the 30's at night.
Pine Valley Camp Survey - 01-07-2022 - by Jesse Rodriguez
Link: Pine Valley Camp
Date: 01-07-2022
Surveyor Name:Jesse Rodriguez
Camp Description:We camped at the table next to the Carmel River. It was peaceful and very quiet, only saw people on our hike out. Very interesting area with a lot of history, will be back. I cleaned the campsite up with with the provided hoe as it looked like nobody had been here in quite a while. Surprisingly no wildlife sightings. 
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:Dew in the evenings, high 30's at night.
Images:







Pine Valley Camp Survey - 02-15-2020 - by Nathan
Link: Pine Valley Camp
Date: 02-15-2020
Surveyor Name:Nathan
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Good flow
Weather Conditions:Dry 28 F at night
Pine Valley Camp Survey - 01-27-2018 - by Holly
Link: Pine Valley Camp
Date: 01-27-2018
Surveyor Name:Holly
Camp Description:All the pine trees at English cabin are cut down and laying about the area. 
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:Dry but cold
Images:

Dandy camp
Pine Valley Camp Survey - 11-06-2015 - by J&V
Link: Pine Valley Camp
Date: 11-06-2015
Surveyor Name:J&V
Camp Description:Always a beautiful valley to visit. Lots of deer. Not much water.
Water Source:Stagnant
Water Source Details:Very little water flowing in the creek at Pine Valley Campground. Enough to filter though.
Weather Conditions:High uooer 60s /low in mid 30s

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Last Updated: Tuesday, December 22, 2015

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