U. S. Forest Service Along Ebbetts Pass

Forest Service Ranger Districts

The Ebbetts Pass corridor passes through the Stanislaus National Forest on the west slope and the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest on the east. Each national forest then is subdivided into ranger districts. On the west side of the pass is the Calaveras Ranger District, while on the east side is the Carson Ranger District.

Stanislaus National Forest Offices

Calaveras Ranger District Office

5519 Highway 4, Hathaway Pines, CA 95233
(209) 795-1381
Summer Hours: (May - October) M-F: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sat: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Winter Hours: (November - April) M-F: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Sat: 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Stanislaus National Forest

Campfire Permits and Wilderness Permits are available here.

The Three Forests Interpretive Association sells interpretive books, forest maps and visitor materials at Stanislaus National Forest offices. Selections include trail guides, natural history and nature guides, and books on local history.

Among the maps they sell are

• Stanislaus National Forest Map
• Interface Vehicle Restrictions Map - covers area north of Arnold and Avery around the Arnold Rim Trail
• Carson-Iceberg Wilderness Map
• Carson-Iceberg Trail Distances Map
• Emigrant Wilderness Map
• Emigrant Wilderness Trail Distances Map
• Mokelumne Wilderness Map

Alpine Ranger Station

The Forest Service maintains tiny Alpine Ranger Station along Highway 4 between Bear Valley and Lake Alpine. The office is open seasonally. It is the starting point for some interpretive hikes offered in the summer at Lake Alpine.

Permits

The Stanislaus National Forest offices issue permits for a variety of activities in the forest. Most people are familiar with campfire permits and firewood cutting permits, but there are also some lesser known permits.

Wilderness Permits

Wilderness Permits are required for overnight visits to wilderness areas such as Emigrant and Carson-Iceberg from April 1 through November 30. One permit for each group of no more than 15 is needed. Stock is limited to 25 head. In the Mokelumne Wilderness the limits are 12 persons and 12 head of stock. Day hikers do not need permits, but the group limits still apply.
Wilderness Permits

Mushrooms Gathering Permits

Permits allow for the free collection of up to 5 pounds of mushrooms. Mushrooms must be cut in half length-wise during harvest. The mushrooms collected under this permit are for personal use only and may not be sold.

A commercial permit is $4 per pound up to a limit of $300 (or 75 pounds).