Elkhorn Ridge Wilderness encompasses 11,112 acres in Mendocino County. There are two major forest types encompassing the area; the mixed evergreen forest and the redwood forest. Late-successional and old-growth stands of Douglas-fir are scattered throughout the area. Chaparral communities are found mainly on south-facing slopes and ridgetops.

Access to the wilderness area is from U.S. Highway 101 at Laytonville, west on Branscomb Road, then north on Wilderness Lodge Road for 2 miles, along Jack of Hearts Road for 3 miles, and right on Elkhorn Ridge Road for 2 miles to the wilderness boundary.