The Alder Creek Trail offers Wilderness access along a moderately difficult, nine and a half mile trail from Dough Flat to Sespe River.

General Information: The Alder Creek Trail offers Wilderness access along a moderately difficult, nine and a half mile trail from Dough Flat to Sespe River. Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road (at Von's) and drive toward the Sespe Oil Fields. Near the end of this road, turn right at the sign that says Oak Flat is 3 miles and Dough Flat is 10 miles. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Be very cautious as you continue on to the parking area at Dough Flat. From the trailhead you enter the Sespe Wilderness. Hike north to the first trail junction at 2.5 miles. Go north (left) toward Alder Creek. Cow Springs is the first camp along the way, but water is very low here during the summer. There is not much shade here, so the summer months can be very hot. The next trail junction is at the 6 mile mark. If you stay to the left, the trail will go downstream toward the Sespe River and you'll reach Alder Camp after one mile. If there is no water there, continue to hike downstream until the trail leaves the drainage bottom, approximately one mile from Alder Camp. Follow the stream for 150 yards and you'll reach Shady Camp, which normally has year-round water. From there, follow the trail another 2.5 miles to Sespe Hot Springs.

Directions: From Santa Paula, Take Highway 126 to Fillmore. Turn north on A Street/Goodenough Road (at Von's) and drive toward the Sespe Oil Fields. Near the end of this road, turn right at the sign that says Oak Flat is 3 miles and Dough Flat is 10 miles. This is a narrow, rough road that is traveled by large oil trucks. Be very cautious as you continue on to the parking area at Dough Flat.

Distance: 9.4 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

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