Alder Creek Nature Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Parking is free. The bathroom is located near the junction between the Ninebark Trail and the Pacific Pea Trail. Be cautious of poison oak. It is very common in this park. Know how to identify it and never touch it.

Enjoy a beautiful singletrack along the east side of Alder Creek. From the main parking area, follow the Ninebark Trail into the park and across the bridge over Alder Creek. Immediately turn left - this is the start of the Alder Creek Trail. The trail is a narrow, fairly level singletrack that weaves in and out of the trees and willows along the bank. In about 0.2 miles the trail ends where it meets the Gudde Ridge Trail.

Typical flora and fauna of the oak chaparral. Trees include oak, madrone, California Bay, toyon, and buckeyes. Near the creek is the Arroyo Willow. Coyote brush, blackberries, and seasonal flowers like lupine and California Poppies are common. Watch out for poison oak! Birds are the most typical fauna, especially juncos, chickadees, finches, towhees, and nuthatches. Occasionally acorn woodpeckers can be seen, as well as hawks, jays, crows, etc. Other fauna include deer, coyotes, ground squirrels, etc.