While all kinds of activities can be found along the highway, one of the most serene is bird watching. The U.S. Forest Service has published a checklist of birds and mammals for the Cleveland National Forest listing more than 260 bird species.
El Cariso
The El Cariso area near the top of the grade, by the fire station, is a good base for exploring. The Forest Service's Trabuco Ranger District (951-736-1811) can help with trail guides, maps and forest restrictions. The El Cariso Visitor Center at 32353 Ortega Highway is listed as open Saturdays except the third Saturday of the month, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; it does not sell Adventure Passes.
Adventure Pass
Many developed sites in the forest require a National Forest Adventure Pass, sold at Forest Service offices, local vendors and online at Recreation.gov. Call ahead to confirm hours and pass availability. More: Cleveland National Forest recreation.