Park grounds are open sunrise to sunset.
Visitor Center (VC) open Friday-Sunday, 10am-4pm
Homestead buildings can be accessed on guided tours during VC operating hours.
William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park
This park unit is fully open. State Parks will continue to use a monitor and adapt strategy to meet any new guidance it may receive from local and state public health officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly, especially for the elderly, immune-compromised and the unvaccinated.
COVID-19 Guidelines (February 16, 2022)
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
COVID-19 Guidelines (February 16, 2022)
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
- Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick
- Plan Ahead – Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.
- Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
- Be COVID-19 Safe – State Parks continues to meet guidance from local and state public officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly. Effective March 1, 2022, state guidance recommends that all individuals, regardless of vaccine status, continue masking in indoor settings, such as museums and visitor centers. Universal masking remains required in specified high-risk settings. Please plan ahead as local county guidelines may differ from state guidance and visitors are urged to follow county guidelines when required. Read the latest COVID-19 guidance at COVID19.ca.gov.
- Leave No Trace – Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.
Phone Number
(530) 529-8599
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Dogs allowed on a leash in picnic area and parking lots.
Driving Directions to William B. Ide Adobe SHP
The park is located in Red Bluff, a small town approximately 25 miles south of Redding. From Interstate 5, exit at Adobe Road. Turn east on Adobe Road, and travel one mile. The park will be on the right at 21659 Adobe Road.Online reservations are not available for this park.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Interpretive Exhibits
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Museums
Family Programs
Geocaching
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Interpretive Exhibits
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Museums
Family Programs
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Photography
Photography is permitted at William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park and the surrounding park for personal use. Tripods and standing flash are not permitted.
Commercial photography is not allowed anywhere on park grounds without a permit. Permits can be obtained through the California Film Commission. Visit www.film.ca.gov for more information.
Photography is permitted at William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park and the surrounding park for personal use. Tripods and standing flash are not permitted.
Commercial photography is not allowed anywhere on park grounds without a permit. Permits can be obtained through the California Film Commission. Visit www.film.ca.gov for more information.
There is no camping or lodging available at this park.
We welcome you to take a virtual of tour of the park grounds, visitor center, and historic homestead at https://roundme.com/@wbiashp.
Camp Host at William B. Ide Adobe SHP
Park Hosts will have free electricity, water and sewage hook up access during their volunteer service.
For more questions or to apply please call or email:
Jennifer Pooley, State Park Interpreter
(530) 529-8599
jennifer.pooley@parks.ca.gov
Ide Adobe has an opportunity for you to volunteer while enjoying the park and meeting new people. The park host duties included generally 30 hours a week of:
- Maintaining the heritage and native plant gardens.
- Updating staff on park visitation and maintenance needs.
- Providing support for interpretive activities.
- Providing basic information to visitors.
- Providing basic park security.
- Restocking restrooms and removing garbage.
- Staying on site during peak days and hours of visitation.
- Helping operate the Visitor Center.
Park Hosts will have free electricity, water and sewage hook up access during their volunteer service.
For more questions or to apply please call or email:
Jennifer Pooley, State Park Interpreter
(530) 529-8599
jennifer.pooley@parks.ca.gov
William B. Ide wrote the proclamation that established the short-lived California Bear Republic in 1846. It lasted 22 days. Ide recognized the opportunities available to him in the West and as a surveyor, miner, treasurer, district attorney, deputy clerk, and judge, provided support and leadership to this northern part of California. While the park memorializes Ide's role in early California history, recent research has shown he never owned the property. 
Like William B. Ide, pioneer settlers at Adobe Ranch arrived in California envisioning opportunities. Facing hardships and challenges, they took advantage of the ranch's location on the river to transform the site. Contrary to the quiet, rural impression the park leaves today, the ranch's location near the California-Oregon Road and adjacent to the Sacramento River (important communication and transportation arteries) probably kept its residents well connected. During the Gold Rush and afterwards, a succession of pack-mule trains, travelers on foot, herds of cattle and sheep, freight wagons, stagecoaches and riverboats moved up and down the valley and along the river.
Depending upon the water's depth, steamboats would transport goods and passengers to the most northerly navigable point on the river. From there, they were off loaded. The property owners made the most of this location in the 1860s by establishing a ferry across the Sacramento River. Cross-country travelers depended upon ferries to make their river crossings safe and easy. Later bridges built in the area made them obsolete.
The park today reflects the hard work it took to maintain life away from California's urban centers in mid-19th century. Visitors touring the visitor center and ranch buildings will be able to learn about the special skills and work activities of California pioneers, comparing them to their own lives. Educational programs tied into school programs offer students hands-on learning experiences that emphasize the lifeways associated with the early settlers.
Facilities
Enjoy a picnic overlooking the Sacramento River. The park features the old adobe home, blacksmith shop and a visitor center. 
Location-Directions
The park is located south of Redding, in Red Bluff on Adobe Road, one-half mile from Interstate 5.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Summer and spring are warm; fall and winter can be cool. Layered clothing is advised.
Special Events
Come visit during Adobe Day, to enjoy the period music of the Ide Adobe Players and experience "hands-on" pioneer crafts and period activities at this historic ranch and ferry crossing.
Cheer the competition at the Ide's Ferry Champion Horseshoe Pitchers Contest. It represents a period-style 1850s contest, complete with authentic attire (provided). Only amateurs or backyarders may participate! The winner takes home a gold-filled pocket watch.
The Pioneer Christmas Party is celebrated the third Saturday in December and emphasizes early holiday traditions of the north valley.
The Northern Buttes District is pleased to announce that the William B. Ide Adobe Visitor's Center Interpretive Plan is now available. The following summary document will provide the reader information about the plan. For more information, please contact the District at 530 538-2200.
View the document here.