12 miles from Georgetown. Many easy miles. MAP
The most common excuse I hear for “No Trespassing” signs is liability. Even though there are legal exceptions that protect owners from liability for recreational use, people are still reluctant to open their property for hiking.
Blodgett Forest is owned and operated by the University of California (a public entity) as a forestry research center for the study of different logging techniques. The 4400 acres of land was donated to the university in 1933 by the Mich-Cal lumber Co. (now S.P.I.) whose chief forester at the time was Mr. Blodgett. The land had been heavily logged and burned by forest fire at the time, so most of the timber today is second, third, and even forth growth.
Blodgett is careful not to invite recreation on their lands, and won’t hand out maps or encourage folks to enjoy its many miles of roads, but their signs even read “use at your own risk.” Of course it’s understandable that since logging operations are ongoing that hikers would have the sense to stay clear of falling trees and tractor work.
This is a great place to ride mountain bikes or hike some very scenic roads. The “loop” road and the “middle loop” are both good choices for views to the north-west. The southern area has more riparian land with Gaddis creek flowing all summer. Many roads of Blodgett connect with S.P.I. and USFS roads that offer even more roads for exploration and hiking; areas like Sand Mt. and the gated Pino Grande country.
Cautions: Stay away from logging and be aware that the main entrance road locks its gate at 5pm daily and on weekends. I always park outside their property boundaries.
Get Off Your Gass 