Wilderness Area Open to Visitors

The Descanso Ranger District near Pine Valley, now open to the public as the Pine Creek wilderness area, is ready with maps and brochures for visitors to the 13,000 acres of brush-covered slopes and tree-lined canyons south of Interstate 8.

In a designated wilderness area, visitors cannot use cars, motorcycles and bicycles, said Greg Greenhoe, a recreation officer in the Descanso Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest. “The area is for hiking and some horseback riding, although a few of the trails are a little rough for horses,” he said.

Greenhoe said willows, oak trees, sycamores and a few pine trees can be found in the canyons, along with some waterfalls.

About 3,000 people visited the wilderness area in 1984, Greenhoe said. He expects the number of visitors to increase as more people hear that Pine Creek has been designated a wilderness area. Congress assigned the designation to Pine Creek in 1984.

Before entering the area, visitors must obtain a permit from the Descanso Ranger District, 3348 Alpine Blvd., Alpine CA 92001.