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Forest Status

The forest is open. However, the fire danger level is VERY HIGH.

Campfires, b-b-q’s, and propane stoves are allowed in developed recreation sites; in the Big Pines area that would include Jackson Lake and Grassy Hollow, and the established campsites such as Apple Tree, Peavine, Blue Ridge and Guffy.   You may burn wood in provided campfire rings or pedestals. ALWAYS make sure your fires are completely out before leaving. (You will have to bring your own water for this as most sites have none.)

Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.         Thank you for protecting our forest.

 

It is now hunting season in our area.

Hikers and dogs should wear bright colors.

Hunters must have licenses and tag(s) and only hunt in approved area. (Contact Fish and Wildlife or license/tag vendors for details.)

[As an exception to the current fire order restrictions, hunters with tags may shoot in the forest; Non-hunters can practice only at authorized public shooting ranges, i.e. A Place to Shoot and Burro Cyn Shooting Park.]

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BIG PINES VISITOR CENTER

Located in a historical stonework building, the visitor center is located at the intersection of Hwy 2 and N-4, four miles west of the town of Wrightwood.

Staffing the visitor center on Saturdays, Sundays, and some holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., VANF members are here to help with hiking, camping, and other suggestions; Adventure Passes are for sale.

Staffing the visitor center on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8:30 to 4 p.m., a USFS information officer can also sell federal passes – including interagency and senior – and issue wood permits.

Couched within this 1920’s facility, are a selection of great interpretive items – including a taxidermied mountain lion and bear.

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COME, JOIN US, BE A PART OF THE VOLUNTEERS OF THE ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST

The Volunteers of the Angeles National Forest are staffing the Big Pines Visitor Center – located 4 miles west of Wrightwood – on Saturdays, Sundays, and some holidays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

While answering questions about hiking and camping, and selling Adventure Passes, they invite visitors to enjoy their historic building including displays of local animals and birds, maps, and pictures of the area.  In addition, VANF members run a school/youth group fieldtrip program and a summer interpretive program.

As a volunteer, you may choose to work with the school program, staff the center, or do both!  When working at the center, you are committing to one weekend day a month.  If you choose to work with the schools program, you can determine your work schedule.

Initial training is provided and ongoing training occurs at the monthly membership meeting at 7pm on the 4th Tuesday of each month in Wrightwood.

We welcome volunteers 18 years and older.

If you would like to join our team or would like more information, please email vanf.big.pines@gmail.com .