Description
Willow Creek Jeep Trail is the west end of the Crab Flats OHV trail, 3N34, in the San Bernardino National Forest, north of Lake Arrowhead. When this trail is run from west to east, it leads into
Dishpan Springs. Willow Creek can be combined with
Cleghorn Ridge ,
Pilot Rock,
Dishpan Springs and
3N16 for an overland mountain trek across the San Bernardino mountains with minimal pavement contact.
This trail is mostly easy, with short moderate sections. Though some sections are marked as black diamond ratings, a moderate blue is more accurate for these sections and an easy green is accurate for most of the trail.
The short section of 3N34 between waypoints 14 and 15 is also known as Ash Meadows Road. The 2.5 mile long section of 3N34 from waypoint 17 through 24 is also known as Squint Ranch Road.
This is a great trail for beginners who are looking to try a little more than a fire road.
**Permit information:**
A permit
(forest adventure pass) is not required to run this trail. It is only needed if you park at an area with improved facilities; toilets, picnic tables, fire rings. The Splinters Cabin Picnic Area, at the end of 3N34C (Waypoint 22), off the south end of this trail, or the Pinnacles OHV Staging Area at Waypoint 2, are examples of where you should have an adventure pass.
Waypoints
Directly off CA-173, the trailhead is well marked with signage for Willow Creek Jeep trail, 3N34 and Pinnacles OHV staging area.
2. Pinnacles OHV Staging Area (0.42 mi)
Pinnacles OHV staging area includes a large parking area, tables with shade and vault toilets. Parking here requires a
Forest Adventure Pass ; $5/day or $30/year.
3. 3N34X West Intersection (0.49 mi)
This is the west intersection of 3N34X. Notice the "X "at the end of the route number. Left will take you on 3N34X which is the harder, northern loop of Willow Creek Jeep Trail. Right will keep you on the easier route; 3N34 (no "X").
Either way is still Willow Creek Jeep Trail. The trails meet again at waypoint 5; 3N34X east intersection.
The mile markers for the following waypoints are based on going right at this point.
If you choose to go left, waypoint 25 is next.
4. 3W65 Intersection (1.77 mi)
3W65 is limited to vehicles with a maximum width of 50". No jeeps are allowed on 3W65. Stay left to continue on 3N34.
5. 3N34X East Intersection (2.2 mi)
At this point you should stay to the right to continue forward on 3N34.
Left will take you on 3N34X; the harder, northern loop of Willow Creek Jeep Trail, which will land you back at waypoint 3 once you pass through waypoints 27, 26 and 25.
This is a good spot to stop for a break and enjoy the scenery. There is plenty of room for vehicles to park at this location.
7. Left Right Option (2.44 mi)
Here you can take your pick; left or right. Either option keeps you on the trail and takes you to the Willow Creek crossing.
8. Willow Creek Crossing (2.51 mi)
The concrete pad here makes for an easy crossing over Willow Creek.
9. 3W13 Intersection (2.63 mi)
Here you will have to keep left to continue on 3N34. 3W13 is limited to vehicles with a maximum width of 50".
When wet, this lower section of the trail collects 15" plus of icy water mixed with the earth, resembling a tasty caffeinated beverage. While there is a shallow bypass to the side of this icy slurry, it's hard to resist making a splash in the deep end.
11. Small 2x Turnout (3.24 mi)
This small double turnout provides enough space for a few vehicles to park on each side of the trail.
The rocks on this short uphill section can easily be avoided by smaller vehicles.
13. Tiny Rock Garden (4.2 mi)
This point of the trail includes a cute little rock collection that might make a fun obstacle when it grows up :) .
14. 2N75 - Ash Meadows Intersection (4.31 mi)
Turn left toward Squint Ranch to stay on 3N34.
15. 3N38 Intersection (West) (4.45 mi)
Turn right here to stay on 3N34. An optional detour to the left will take you on 3N38, by the locked gates at the Lake Arrowhead Airport and then loop you back around to waypoint 17.
16. 2N29Y - Stove Flats Intersection (4.82 mi)
Stay to the left to continue on 3N34.
17. 3N38 Intersection (East) (5.07 mi)
Turn right to stay on 3N34. The optional detour to the left will take you on 3N38, by the locked gates at the Lake Arrowhead Airport and then loop you back to the west to waypoint 15.
18. 3N34D - Devils Hole Intersection (5.21 mi)
Stay right to continue on 3N34. Signs mark this section of 3N34 as "most difficult", but it is no harder than the rest of the trail.
A left here will take you on
3N34**D** to Devils Hole.
19. Lunch Loop Turnout (5.78 mi)
This small loop allows for parking half a dozen or more vehicles and is a good place to stop for lunch or to enjoy the scenery.
20. 2N25 - Rouse Ranch Road Intersection (6.48 mi)
Continue straight at this point to stay on 3N34.
21. 2N27Y - Rouse Meadow Intersection (6.97 mi)
Continue straight at this point to stay on 3N34.
22. 3N34C Intersection (7.4 mi)
Continue straight at this point to stay on 3N34. A hard left will take you to the Splinter's hiking trailhead.
23. Little Bear Creek Crossing (7.48 mi)
The concrete pad here provides an easy path through the little bear creek.
24. End of the Trail / 2N26Y (7.56 mi)
From here you can continue straight to end your day on the trail. The road ahead is 2N26Y - Hook Creek Rd. which will lead you down the east side of Lake Arrowhead on your way out. If you haven't had enough yet, a hard left here will take you into
Dishpan Springs (Extreme trail).
25. 3N34X Water Tank (0.55 mi)
Here you will find a water tank and a small turn out.
This mile marker is based on starting from the trailhead and turning **left** at Waypoint 3 (3N34X).
26. 3N34X Lookout Tree (0.7 mi)
This small turnout and tree make for a good place to stop and enjoy the view to the east.
The mile marker here is based on starting from the trailhead and turning **left** at Waypoint 3 (3N34X).
27. 3N34X Rut Hill (0.8 mi)
If you like ruts and rocks mixed with your hills, you have come to the right place. This rutted, rocky hill might look intimidating, but it is no problem with the right line.
The mile marker here is based on starting from the trailhead and turning **left** at Waypoint 3 (3N34X).
