Waddell Creek - Rancho Del Oso

Waddell Creek and Rancho del Oso (a part of Big Basin Redwoods State Park) offer a variety of recreational opportunities.

Six miles of Canyon Road (a graded dirt fire road) meanders along the course of Waddell Creek. It is almost level for the entire length, so even younger bicycle riders can be found pedaling along.

We recommend only fat tire bicycles be used, as it is dirt and ruts will cause problems for a narrow tired "road bike". Helmets are required for young riders and recommended for ALL!

There are NO through trails to Big Basin, and NO single track trails are open to bicycles at Rancho del Oso or the main portions of Big Basin State Park.

A series of Backpack Trail Camps are spaced along the trail, with three being located within easy hiking distance from the Rancho del Oso park headquarters. The Backpack Trail Camps are closed from November 1 - April 1.

There is also an Equestrian trail camp that (with reservations) allows riders to camp overnight with their horses.

Waddell Beach, located across Highway 1 from the park entrance, is known worldwide as one of THE spots for windsurfing and kite surfing. The steady strong North West winds and good surf provide ideal conditions for this demanding sport. Launching from the tops of incoming waves the best windsurfers can complete full loops and continue on their way. With the strong winds and occasionally heavy surf, Waddell Beach is not recommended for novice wind surfers.

Regular surfers and boogie boarders also find it an ideal spot to pursue their activities.

A good place for bird watching is on the inland side of Hwy. 1 in the Theodore J. Hoover Natural Preserve.

DOGS are not allowed in the park or on the beach.