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California Rivers

Pine Valley Creek

HOW TO GET THERE | VISITOR INFORMATION

A tributary of the Tijuana River, Pine Valley Creek flows south from the Laguna Mountains towards the Mexico border. A small stream draining a large watershed east of San Diego, Pine Valley Creek is considered by the Forest Service to be one of the longest, low elevation, free flowing streams on National Forest lands in Southern California.

Biologically rich, Pine Valley Creek possesses high quality riparian habitat that supports significant populations of the endangered least Bell’s vireo (a rare bird) and arroyo toad. The creek’s pond turtle population a sensitive species is one of the largest remaining in Southern California. The arroyo toad and least Bell’s vireo populations along Pine Valley Creek are the largest on the Cleveland National Forest.

One of the sources of Pine Valley Creek is Laguna Meadow. This extensive montane meadow supports a number of rare plant species, as well as the endangered Laguna Mountain skipper butterfly. Old growth pine and oak forests surrounding the meadow are home to the sensitive California spotted owl.

Pine Valley Creek is also a mecca for outdoor recreation. The lower portion of the creek flows through the Pine Creek Wilderness, and is the primary focus of the area’s extensive trail system. The Laguna Meadows area in the creek’s upper watershed is one of the most popular recreation destinations in the forest, offering numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, and resorts. The Noble Canyon National Recreation Trail follows Noble Creek, a tributary of Pine Valley Creek. Historic remnants of the late 1800’s gold mining boom can be seen along the trail.

How To Get There
Drive east on Interstate 8 approximately 46 miles from San Diego, take the Pine Valley exit. Go left under the freeway and then turn left on Pine Valley Road. In about 1.5 miles, turn left into the Forest Service picnic area and trailhead parking lot. A scenic trail proceeds two miles downstream along the creek, under the Interstate and into the Pine Creek Wilderness (wilderness permits are required).

Recreation And Visitor Information
For recreation information concerning the Pine Creek Wilderness, Laguna Meadow, and the Noble Canyon National Recreation Trail, contact the Forest Service’s Descanso Ranger Station at (619) 445-6235.