Warning: Google Maps directions are inaccurate. Please follow written instructions below!
To get to the reserve take Hwy 101 north or south to Laytonville (about 3.5 hours north of the Bay Area, 3 hours south of Eureka, 4 hours from Sacramento via Interstate 5 to Hwy 20 to Hwy 101). At Laytonville, turn west onto the Branscomb Rd. Travel about 13 miles to the former mill town of Branscomb. Continue another 3 miles and turn right (north) on Wilderness Lodge Rd. Bear right at the only fork, staying on the paved road. Wilderness Lodge Rd. will be paved the first 2+ miles, turning to gravel just after you cross the Eel River. Continue another 1.4 miles to the Headquarters living complex (right, east side) and the Environmental Science center (left side) of the Angelo Reserve.
If you are traveling from the coast take Hwy 1 to Branscomb Rd. (20 miles n. of Ft. Bragg) and go east. Travel just under 10 miles to Wilderness Lodge Rd. (there is no road sign visible when traveling east so watch your odometer) and turn left and follow the directions above from that point.
Please keep your speed down (20 mph or less) while on Wilderness Lodge Rd. It is a non-standard, narrow and twisty road with blind curves and uneven surfaces with little or no shoulder. On the gravel portion of the road higher speeds result in more noise and dust, and less control if you should encounter pedestrians or an oncoming vehicle.
As you arrive at the Reserve the Science Center will be on your left where there is a small visitor kiosk for signing in. Headquarters House will be on your right. Day use parking for public use visitors is about 100 yards beyond the Science Center just before the reserve gate.
Researchers, classes, and other visitors authorized to drive into the reserve should know that the reserve road is quite narrow and winding with soft shoulders and some low overhanging trees. Keep your speed under 13 mph at all times. Full sized trucks and passenger vans can pass the road. Four wheel drive is not necessary, but vehicles with low clearance should proceed with extra caution to avoid the occasional high spot or fallen rock. Trucks with cab-over campers, or vans with camper conversions or high and wide roof racks are not advised. Please carpool as much as possible. There is a public parking lot adjacent to the reserve gate if you want to carpool from there into the reserve.