Grouse Springs - Bear Creek

Forest Road M3 in Mendocino National Forest is a great trail for all levels of experience, especially beginners wanting to test out stock, four-wheel drive high clearance vehicles. Most of this trail is a smooth graded road with the occasional large pothole and steep climb on sharp corners, requiring good tire placement for stock rigs. This trail will take you through deeply wooded areas, burned clearings from wildfires that occurred between 2018-2020, and multiple other ecosystems. Due to the wildfires, downed trees and roadblocks are possible. M3 and the surrounding area allow ample dispersed camping near year-round creeks and multiple designated campsites with fire rings and vaulted toilets. Completing M3 requires one water crossing, depending on the time of year.