North Fork, Whitewater River Trail

Description:

• The San Gorgonio Wilderness embraces the summit of the San Bernardino mountain range, the highest in Southern California. Within its boundaries are 56,749 acres of timber, small meadows, lakes, and large barren slopes that stretch from the timberline to the summit of San Gorgonio Mountain, 11,502 feet.

  The best access to this trail is via the Fish Creek Trail. Two camps are accessible from Mineshaft Saddle. From Mineshaft Saddle, the trail descends to the northeast to Mineshaft Flats (1.8 miles). The camp lies to the west of the trail. Water is available approximately 0.3 mile along the trail below the camp.

  One mile beyond (and below) Mineshaft Flats is Big Tree Camp. Water is available from the North Fork of the Whitewater River.

  Free permits are required for all hikes into the San Gorgonio Wilderness. They may be obtained in person at Mill Creek Ranger Station, Barton Flats Visitor Center (summer only), and Big Bear Ranger Station.