Clear Creek this weekend?

[Rocketman]

Thinking of heading down to Clear Creek this Fri. 4/9. Anyone else thinking of going?

Ed

 

[Speckmisser]

Can't make it, but let us know how you do.

There's pigs there, but dang if they aren't hard to find.

 

[F350]

Where's it at?
I might be able to get away.
Besides...I still have a good book of tags and my lic. is current.

 

[Speckmisser]

F350.

Clear Creek is a big BLM area between Coalinga and Hollister. You can reach it from I-5, via Panoche Rd and Idria, or from 101 via 198 to 25. It's a pretty hefty ride from Simi Valley.

Here's more info about Clear Creek area.

 

[F350]

Thanks Speck !

Hope my Ford can make it.

 

[Live2hunt]

F350,

Assuming your Ford is a the one with dually rear axle. You may be able to take it up the road from New Idria but it may be risking it. Part of the roads are narrow and it's not very well maintain. I've seen many full size Chevy 1500 and F150 up there but have not seen a dually.


L2H

 

[Speckmisser]

I'd have to second what L2H said.

If you're driving a dually, stick to the main road through the place. You'll be fine. But the side roads are made for jeeps and motorcycles... trust me. I've had my 3/4 ton Dodge in some tight spots there. It's no fun running a full-size truck down a motocross trail.

Not that the roads are bad (when it's dry). Just that they're small. When it's wet... well, I've gone from New Idria to Spanish Lake and back around and out at Clear Creek in my old 1/2 ton Dodge... but it was hairy as heck. The only reason I came back from Spanish Lake is that the gate on the road down to Coalinga was locked.

 

[Rocketman]

I'll be driving a beige toyota 4x4 with camper shell if anyone is around the condon peak area.
Ed

 

[Live2hunt]

Now the Condon Peak area is definitely a NO NO for a dually truck.


L2H

 

[F350]

Thanks Guys,
Actually, I have the single rear axle but it's the long bed super crew so I still run into some trouble with clearance and turning.

We'll probably tow my buddy's samurai up there. The hard part is setting a date.

I'll definately let you guys know when though.

 

[gwhunter69]

Where is Clear Creek located?

 

[VHRAM]

that dually can make it. you gotta remember the rule ,the bigger the truck the faster you go ,those fenders peel right off if the trails too narrow.If this is the place we went to proably 10 years ago after a rain on thanksgiving weekend there was a major traffic jam trying to get out up some steep hills and deeeeep mud, the guys on the dirt bikes couldnt move cause the frame would just sit on top of the mud and the tire would just spin.

 

[F350]

gwhunter69,
Speck posted a link near the beginning of this thread.
Check it out. Pretty nice area but some rough hunting. Me and the boys are trying to get some dates together. Be nice just to take the guns out for a walk.

 

[Rocketman]

OK lets see, can't find the pig tags, all the stores here (2) have sent them back already this year but I'm gonna take the .22 and go anyway. Spent Sat. night there. Saw no pigs, some sign, and a fresh mt. lion kill pretty close to where i was camping for the night. You could see the scrape marks and prints in the dirt where the cat had buried half of a small deer, even dried blood on the ground. Kind of wierd when you're alone and it's getting dark and all you have is a little .22. Went back to camp and started a large campfire.
Lots of water around, hardly any people, and the roads were in good shape all the way into the Condon peak area. May have to try again in a couple of weeks.
Ed

 

[Speckmisser]

Thanks for the report, Rocketman. I bet having that kitty around for a neighbor made for some light sleeping, huh?

I'm surprised there's still much water. Once the roads dry out, most of them are quite passable. Just have to watch those tight spots. F350, if the Samurai has decent clearance, it'd be a good choice.

I haven't been up there since quail season, but I might have to make a run sometime soon.

 

[F350]

Gotcha Speck,
And thanks for the report Rocketman.