Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am looking for some basic information on conditions in the San Gabriel River drainages of the Angeles N.F. (West Fork, Cattle Canyon, Bear Canyon etc). I want to do some hiking, camping, and maybe some flyfishing to augment my herping. This is basically just a vacation to the mountains I grew up in and if I get to photograph some herps it would be a big plus. Anyway, what are conditions like, especially after recent fires? I have not been there in well over 15 years. I am planning on going in 2 weeks.

Thanks

Conditions are fine in the forest. Whatever was burned has lots of growth after our #2 year for rainfall. You cannot drive up to Crystal Lake. Highway 39 is closed a couple miles north of the East Fork turn off. You also cannot drive on Glendora Mountain Road. It was closed due to storm damge and will not be open for some time. You can ride a bike of walk/hike GMR though. You can drive the East Fork and up the back side to Glendora Mountain Road over to Mount Baldy. Conditions are fine and it is starting to cool down in the evening, which will limit your exposure to Summertime bugs such as the Deer flies. Hope you enjoy your trip. One bit of information you might not be aware of is, you need to purchase an Adventure Pass to park your vehicle in the forest if you are going hiking and such. The pass is five bucks a day or thirty dollars for an annual pass. It is a new method for the Forest Service to generate money. Most people are not too happy with the idea.