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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Lake
Cachuma Santa Barbara County
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By Matthew Martz |
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Located in the Santa Ynez
Valley of Santa Barbara County is beautiful Lake Cachuma.
The lake was artificially created as part of the Bradbury
Dam in 1953 by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and covers
over 3,100 acres. The lake is a short drive from Santa
Barbara, consider visiting the lake when you come through
on your next wine excursion, or bring the family for a
weekend of camping.
For campers there are over 550 campsites, 90 of which
offer full electrical, water and sewer hookups for your
recreational vehicle. It’s a perfect location if
you like to stray from the city without leaving too many
of its creature comforts behind. Each of the campsites
contains a picnic table and BBQ pit to cook a great meal.
Showers and restrooms are nearby.
If you plan to extend your stay a little longer than a
weekend, a general store, gas station, and coin laundry
is onsite to re supply your needs. When it comes to fun,
there is plenty to do; the children's playgrounds let
the kids do what they do best, and the nature center is
a must visit for the whole family.
The Nature Center at Cachuma Lake encourages a public
understanding of the area, and is housed in a picturesque
old ranch house. Operations are handled by a corps of
volunteers who offers exhibits on the local valley and
mountain environment suitable for all ages.
Most exhibits provide hands-on opportunities for children,
and cover topics such as construction of Bradbury Dam,
the Chumash people past and present; local birds, fish,
and mammals, trees and habitats, and the geology of the
region. Field trips for larger school groups are accommodated,
admission is free. |
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Lake Cachuma Santa Barbara County Park |
On weekends and in summer, groups
come from all over to camp and enjoy. The
Family Fun Center includes a swimming pool and plenty of
video games in case the kids are going crazy without their
Playstation. Why not play a round of miniature golf, or
rent a bike a take a ride around the lake? The snack bar
offers the traditional stuff for a quick bite before heading
off.
The Junior Ranger Program allows kids to earn a cool Junior
Ranger badge. Parents are also invited to participate. Children
ages 3 to 6 earn the Acorn Woodpecker patch; 7 to 9 a Great
Blue Heron patch; 10-11, a Mountain Lion patch; 12 and older,
a Bald Eagle patch. The patch is earned as Junior Rangers
accept the special responsibility of taking action in their
environment and setting an example for others.
The patches are earned by picking up litter from park grounds,
and by participating in activities. The Program runs year-round
on Saturdays from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. The Fee is $2 per
child in addition to $8 vehicle Park Admission.
Lake Cachuma
park naturalists offer a two-hour cruise aboard the Osprey,
a 30-passenger pontoon. The tour is the most comfortable
way to view the wildlife and witness the thriving habitat
for a variety of wildlife, birds, fish, trees, and plants.
The winter season brings out migratory Bald Eagles and waterfowl,
usually through November, so you have time to go catch a
glimpse. The spring and summer months are about wildflowers,
resident birds building nests and fawns appear with does.
The tour is for anyone aged 4 or over, and wheelchair accessible.
If you need this provision, please call ahead so arrangements
can be made.
Nature walks are a year round must. Groups meet on Saturdays
from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the Nature Center. Naturalists
lead an easy-paced 1/2-mile walk through the Oak Canyon
Trail. The walk is free with park admission.
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Lake Cachuma Boat Docks |
Camping area Lake Cachuma |
Cachuma is one of Southern California's
best fishing lakes because of the topography. During normal
years it supports large populations of bass, crappie,
bluegill, red-ear sunfish, channel catfish, and rainbow
trout.
Trout from 12-21 inches are often found, with a record
of 12.5 pounds. Annual fishing derbies are popular. The
Nature Center Trout Derby is an annual fundraiser to provide
funding for day-to-day operations. The Derby is open to
children and adults with cash prizes, with many merchants
offering sponsorships and support. Article
by Matthew Martz
When you are ready to visit Lake Cachuma,
it is located about an hour and a half from the San Fernando
Valley. Add about 45 minutes to that if you are coming
from Orange County. Camping is available onsite, but if
you are just stopping by for the day as part of a local
tour, there are plenty of hotel and motel accommodations
with Santa Barbara. The marina and family center offer
food, and cuisine of all times are available locally
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