It’s hard to believe that only 30 miles from my bachelor beach pad (I let my kitty brother and sister and of course, Mom live with me), that I can be in 3400 ft elevation exploring, watching birdies and having a tasty lunch al fresco near the forest! I’m talking the Ortegas aka Cleveland National Forest!
To get there, exit Ortega Highway from the 5 freeway and drive East into the mountains toward Lake Elsinore.
Check out this link to the area:
Pretty cool looking, huh? Before you go, call the El Cariso Visitor Center / Fire Station to see if they will be open when you arrive. Supposedly you can get helpful trail, bird and other useful information to help you plan your outing. The Visiting Center wasn’t open the day we were there, unfortunately, but hopefully next time. I recommend you do a little trail and birding research prior to arriving to decide what fits your needs. http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cleveland/recarea/?recid=70940
Based on our last minute day trip, here’s my highlights and some recommendations:
Pack or buy Lots of Water! It gets hot in the Summer and you want to make sure you and your pooch have lots of water available. We found zero access to water during our trip but as always, Mom had us covered! There are 2 restaurants and a Candy Store on Ortega Highway so stop and stock up!
Buy a Daily, Weekly or Annual Parking Pass. You can purchase them at any Big 5 in So Cal before you go or in the Ortegas at the listed locations:
Beware of Rattlesnakes! We didn’t see any this trip but they are out in the warm months from Spring until late in the year. Rattlesnakes and heat (water) are your biggest concerns in the summer so keep your pups on a short leash and keep them from sniffing the weeds and sides of the trails. Scan down, ahead and around when on the trails to help prevent surprises! We recommend that you check for the nearest open vet clinics for the day you will be visiting. You should check Lake Elsinore (closest), Ladera Ranch or San Juan Capistrano. Remember, heaven forbid anyone gets bitten but if so, go immediately to the vet or human emergency room. Time is of the essence. Even with baby snakes.
VMSG in San Juan Capistrano is open 24/7 if you can’t find somewhere closer. http://www.vmsg-oc.com
Explore Blue Jay Campground. After driving around a bit checking out the area, we decided to driving up to Blue Jay Campground. Boy, are we glad we did! This campground was extensive. Trees, flowers, birds and of course campers! According the Forestry Website Blue Jay has some of the best birding in February and March but when we went in May they were still chirping away. I highly recommend packing lunch or picking up food at Kristy’s Corner Ortega Oaks Market at here for picnic and enjoy the views! http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cleveland/recreation/recarea/?recid=75037&actid=50
If you drive further down some narrow gravel roads you’ll end up at El Cariso Hot Shots. I don’t think it exists anymore. It basically looks like the footprint of an old Mobile Home park. Some of the Cabin/housing structures are still there and it appears the Forestry Dept has made it some sort of base camp but the area is pretty cool! There are lots, of birds and beautiful views surrounding this location.
Fireman’s Memorial – At the corner of Ortega Highway and South Main Divide
Kristy’s Corner Ortega Oaks Market – Fresh sandwiches, salad, fruit salad, beer, sweets and jerky! What more can a doggy ask for? YUM! They have a nice dog-friendly patio which I looooooved!
The Candy Store – we didn’t stop but we heard good things – who doesn’t like Candy? Oh, well, I mean, ahem, of course I don’t like candy, Mom, it’s bad for us pups….but I highly recommend for your humans 🙂 They are open 7 days a week too! http://www.ortegaoaks.com/store.htm
The drive up South Main Divide past Elsinore Peak Facility – OMG a giant golden bird carrying a snake flew right in front of us! Mom was driving and she couldn’t stop and grab her camera 🙁 But take my word for it, these gravel roads to and past Elsinore Peak are awesome! Views, Views and more Views!
Lake Elsinore – We didn’t go but here’s a view from South Main Divide Road
I hope you enjoy some of our favorite places!
Happy Trekkin’,
Scoobs
