Campaigns > California Wild Heritage Campaign > California Wild Heritage Act:   Clickable Map |  Printable Map |  Proposed Wilderness - List |  Statewide Bill Text |  North Coast Bill Text |  Volunteer

Caples Creek Proposed Wilderness

Size: Approximately 22,360 acres

Managing agency: Eldorado National Forest

Location: 75 miles east of Sacramento off of Highway 50.

Description:

• This area provides drinking water for El Dorado County.
• Caples Creek contains habitat for northern goshawks, golden eagles, and willow flycatcher, as well as pine marten.
• Caples Creek is one of the few places where visitors can camp by a whitewater stream.
• The Forest Service has recommended Caples Creek be protected as wilderness.

Preserving this area in its pristine state is critically important to maintain the scenic integrity of the state recognized Scenic Highway 88. Nearly the entire area can be seen as one drives along this portion of the highway. This area provides a unique opportunity for visitors who can not hike or travel by horseback, but who want to see firsthand a wilderness area.

Also, unlike most other wilderness areas, this area is open nearly all year in the lower elevations, and contains one of the few places where one can camp by a rushing whitewater stream.

This potential wilderness was recommended for federal designation by the Forest Service and contains habitat for northern goshawks, golden eagles, and willow flycatcher, as well as pine marten at higher elevations.

For additional information, please contact:
California Wilderness Coalition
info@calwild.org