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Forsee Creek to Johns Meadow

San Gorgonio Wilderness · San Bernardino · Managed by San Bernardino National Forest (USFS)
Difficulty 12/100 · Easyout and back#beginner-friendly#creeks#first-trip#southern-california
Distance
7.8 mi
Total gain
1,600 ft
Net gain
800 ft
Net loss
800 ft
Elevation
6,400–7,200 ft
Days
1–2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Forsee Creek is the San Gorgonio Wilderness's quiet corner: a shaded 3.9-mile climb to Johns Meadow, a creekside camp at 7,200 feet with reliable water year-round. With less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain, it is the wilderness's easiest overnight — perfect for a first backpacking trip.

Highlights

  • Johns Meadow's grassy flats beside a year-round creek
  • A shaded, gentle grade that never feels like work
  • Solitude — this is one of the wilderness's least-used trails
  • An optional push to Jackstraw Springs for stronger parties

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Forsee Creek Trailhead (6,400 ft · parking: Dirt pullouts off Jenks Lake Road West; rough road, low-clearance vehicles beware)
  • Water: Forsee Creek runs year-round; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Angelus Oaks has a small general store.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.

Permits

  • Agency: San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (USFS partner)
  • Reserve or apply on sgwa.org
  • Quota: Free online permits with daily quotas; reserve at permits.sgwa.org.
  • Reservation window: One reservation covers up to 12 people.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Fire rules in the San Gorgonio Wilderness vary by camp and season — check the SGWA conditions page before your trip. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: May, June, September, October.

Snow: Usually snow-free May through November.

Heat: Warm on the lower trail; shaded for most of the climb.

Bugs: Moderate near the creek through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The access road is rough; low-clearance vehicles should park carefully
  • The creek crossing below the meadow can be slippery in spring
  • Check SGWA conditions for water and fire status

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Trails — Forsee Creek Trail. San Gorgonio Wilderness Association. https://www.sgwa.org/trails. Accessed 2026-09-07. Trailhead access, Johns Meadow (7,200 ft at ~3.9 mi), year-round creek, and Jackstraw Springs details. SGWA notes mileages are approximate.
  2. Permits. San Gorgonio Wilderness Association. https://www.sgwa.org/permits. Accessed 2026-09-07. Free online wilderness permits for the San Gorgonio Wilderness and Adventure Pass parking requirement.
  3. Adventure Pass. U.S. Forest Service (San Bernardino National Forest). http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Adventure Pass requirement for parking at developed recreation sites.