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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Bolsa
Chica Wetlands Huntington Beach
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by Matthew
Martz. |
If you love
nature, critters, and water, then this place has it all.
But it’s easy to miss the Bolsa Chica Ecological
Reserve if you don't know what you're looking for. Bolsa
Chica reserve includes over 1,200 acres of undeveloped
wetlands, lowlands, and lower mesa operated by the California
Department of Fish and Game, and is hidden along the east
side of Pacific Coast Highway in the city of Huntington
Beach from Warner Avenue to Seapoint Avenue.
Bolsa Chica is one of the last remaining wetlands in southern
California, within the past 100 years the area has been
used as a hunting ground, for gun emplacements by the
United States military, and as an extensive oil production
field. For several thousand years prior to those times,
Native Americans inhabited the wetlands and surrounding
bluffs.
Although there are still active oil wells on the wetlands
today, the area has become the home to a large and diverse
collection of flora and fauna, as well as a haven for
an abundance of costal wildlife and is open to the public
daily from sunrise to sunset. Best of all--it’s
free.
Before you start your adventure, be sure to stop by the
Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center, located in the parking
lot at PCH and Warner and grab a pamphlet to help you
identify all the possible things you might see on your
nature walk. There are also group tours available where
a guide will walk around with you and give you the history
of the conservancy and what they do there.
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If you enter
next to the Interpretive Center, you will need to walk on
Warner Ave for about a hundred feet, crossing Los Patos
Bridge, to get to the main trail. In spring, wildflowers
often line the path from the parking lot to the upper mesa.
As you crossover the long wooden pedestrian bridge entering
the marshlands, you will be treated to all types of marine
activity in the shallow waters just beneath your feet, including
sting rays swimming among the fish and native undersea plant
life, as well as feisty diving terns as they look for tasty
meal.
Continuing down the path, you will see lots of jumping fish,
lizards, snakes, coyotes herons and pelicans. Every year,
especially during the migration seasons, almost 200 different
species of bird can be seen at the Bolsa Chica wetlands.
It's amazing to walk along the water and see a huge flock
of loons, grebes, or scoters just feet away from you.
There are also great views of the ocean, and on clear days,
the San Gabriel and Santa Ana mountains are visible. The
trail has two wildlife stops, where binoculars come in handy.
These areas are sometimes filled with professional photographers
that are looking to capture that once in a lifetime shot.
The trails at Bolsa Chica are perfect for a quick escape.
If you are looking for an off the beaten path experience
Bolsa Chica is probably not for you. On the other hand
this Huntington Beach nature preserve is perfect for families
with young children. Most of the trails are easy and accessible
enough for strollers.
Don't worry about getting lost at Bolsa Chica Pacific
Coast Highway and the beach are always in sight. Sunset
is a wonderful time to visit Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve,
the view from Bolsa Chica Mesa is amazing, and the admission
price can not be beat.
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With 95 percent of the
state's coastal wetlands destroyed, the Bolsa Chica Ecological
Reserve is one place you don’t want to miss visiting
sometime soon, as the exploding population is always threatening
to encroach upon this pristine natural treasure.
Bolsa Chica Wetlands has two parking lots, one located on
Warner Ave. near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway.
The other is located on Pacific Coast Highway almost directly
across PCH from the Bolsa Chica State Beach entrance. Free
parking. |
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Newport
Back Bay peaceful retreat with a chance
to observe nature. Hiking and biking. |
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Newport
Dunes a year-round aquatic playground
and campground at the Newport Back Bay. |
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Jalama
Beach campground north of Santa Barbara.
Beach cottages available. |
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