East Barton Flats National Forest

[GIHanger]

Hung in the San Bernardino National forest this last week. Near Jenks Lake on the East loop. We had some GOOD times, and wasn't another a soul up there. I slept in my Hennessy Explorer (I sleep better in my Hennessy for some reason) and my 5 year old slept in my 1.7 WBBB. My wife and baby slept in our RV.

It was a lil buggy and a whole lot of dirty but we had fun. No problems. I'd recommend East Flats becuase the road is a little more worn and the trees clearance is a little better. The lower loop's road is a little more rocky and the tree clearance is a little lower. Either loop is a BYO Everything type deal. There is no accessible water -- nearest stream is about a mile away. Even the paying camp grounds were out of water. The trees are big around so pack your long webbing. The bark beetles have devastated the trees, the crews have done a great job at clearing the effected trees but you still have to be on the look out for widow maker limbs.

It was 80's during the day and 70's at night. We slept with pads and sleeping bags. There are no camp fires allowed, if you're caught with one there is a 5K dollar fine and I was told that they just doubled it to 10K -- so be careful.
Law Enforcement rolled up on us at 10pm and checked the fire ring that someone made close to where we were hanging.

East Flats is off the 38 just past Lobos camp-ground on Jenks Lakes road. Having a truck would be advised becuase the road is rough.

[GIHanger]

I had to improvise my webbing with some tie down straps. Note to self get some longer straps.

[Triggerhpy]

I know the area. I was there last week at camp Oso with our scouts. We could Hike over and down to South fork from our camp. Did you have any problems with bears? Bummer about not having a fire or water near by.

[MAD777]

Those kids are the cutest! And having fun, too

[raiffnuke]

Looks like a great time with the wee ones!

[GIHanger]

No bears -- not alot of wild life as a matter of fact. I heard yotes at night, saw a Southern Rattler and that was about it, aside from the barking spiders after the hot dog feast.


As far as water goes-- I know well enough to bring my own (that mountain is dry as you know). We came with the RV filled (40 gal) and I brought a 30 and 55 gal barrel with us. We used most of it too. We dumped at the Barton Flats campground -- 10 bucks to dump --- yikes.

We hiked down to the Santa Anna across the street from South Fork campground. There was only a lil stream going at the time, and the water was ice cold.

[jayf124]

GREAT stuff, JPBeck! Looks like some good times with your boys. We're getting ready to move up to Utah and I can't wait to get my boys (2 & 7) out more....options are pretty limited here in Vegas.

Thanks for sharing.

Jay