The opinions and views expressed in the news stories of interest do not always reflect those of the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
News Stories of Interest
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Week of Nov. 10, 2025
The opinions and views expressed in the news stories of interest do not always reflect those of the California Department of Parks and Recreation
Northern California's Largest State Park Is A Pristine Getaway For Backpacking Adventures: Ever dreamed of having the backcountry to yourself while enjoying nature and solitude? With Henry W. Coe State Park, this dream can become a reality.
Olaoluwa Akinbayo, Explore, Nov. 14, 2025
7 Snake Infested State Parks In The United States: From Florida’s swamps to Arizona’s desert canyons, some of these protected lands provide the perfect mix of shelter, prey, and climate for dozens of snake species.
Brendan Cane, WorldAtlas, Nov. 14, 2025
7 American Ghost Towns You Can Still Walk Through: History buffs and ghost tour enthusiasts will love these abandoned towns.
Chelsea Thatcher, Mental Floss, Nov. 14, 2025
California State Parks treating invasive hyacinth as it spreads across Stockton waterfront:Hyacinth, an invasive and seasonal plant, is once again invading Stockton waterways. This year's bloom came into downtown Stockton from the Tuolumne River, breaking off during the last storm. Carmela Karcher, CBS News, Nov. 13, 2025
Playhouse Arts Takes to the Parks Through Community-Focused Grants:Playhouse Arts is pleased to announce it has been awarded two grants to get us all outside reading, creating and enjoying the natural beauty of our region. Redheaded Blackbelt, Nov. 13, 2025
2 climbers rescued after illegally scaling Morro Rock: The Morro Bay Fire Department rescued two people who illegally climbed Morro Rock on Thursday afternoon.
Stephanie Zappelli & David Middlecamp, The Tribune, Nov. 13, 2025
The Oldest State Park In California Is Just An Hour Outside San Francisco — And It’s Home To Ancient Redwoods That Are Over 1,000 Years Old: The historic park is home to towering redwoods that are over 1,000 years old, and it's a short drive from San Francisco.
Dana Flynn, Secret San Francisco, Nov. 13, 2025
Fighting Fire with Fire: Students Take Part in First-Ever Prescribed Burn on Campus:As orange flames danced across the slope, students clad in fire-resistant clothing and carrying tools on their backs, stood poised and ready nearby — learning not from textbooks, but from fire itself.Cal Poly News, Nov. 12, 2025
Have a library card? You can visit a California state park for free: Check out a pass at your library that offers vehicle day-use access to more than 200 state parks
Marla Jo Fisher, East Bay Times, Nov. 12, 2025
Forget Yosemite: These 5 California Parks Are Just As Breathtaking Without The Crowds: Created by comparing in-the-know reviews and travel publications against personal experiences, this list proposes five California parks that can be just as breathtaking as Yosemite but without the crowds.
Joseph Richard Francis, Islands, Nov. 12, 2025
Big Sur photo a winner in annual contest showcasing California State Parks: A striking photo of a lone surfer facing towering waves off the Big Sur coast has won a top category in this year’s California State Parks Foundation photo contest.
Roseann Cattani, The Californian, Nov. 11, 2025
After January’s Historic Fires California State Parks and Palisades Community Celebrate Reopening of Will Rogers State Historic Park in Los Angeles County: California State Parks, the Palisades community and park partners celebrated a major milestone over the weekend at Will Rogers State Historic Park (SHP) – the beloved park’s reopening 10 months after the devastating Palisades Fire.
Sierra Sun Times, Nov. 11, 2025
The gondola: An embattled plan to build an aerial tram connecting Los Angeles Union Station with Dodger Stadium will be discussed in a public meeting happening this Tuesday, Nov. 12.
David Wagner, LAist, Nov. 11, 2025
California State Parks Offers Free Admission For Veterans On Veterans Day Tuesday November 11 2025: California State Parks offers free admission to veterans, active duty and reserve members to most California State Parks on Veterans Day Tuesday November 11 2025.
South OC Beaches, Nov. 11, 2025
- Additional Coverage: FOX 5, Contra Costa Herald
Prescribed burns planned at Estero Bluffs and Morro Bay State Parks: California State Parks and CAL FIRE are planning to conduct brush pile burns in the Estero Bluffs and Morro Bay State Parks starting this Wednesday, Nov. 12.
Katherine Worsham, KSBY, Nov. 10, 2025
CA state park reopens following Palisades Fire: Ten months after the Palisades Fire ripped through L.A. County and killed 12 people, Will Rogers State Historic Park finally reopened Saturday, albeit partially, after remaining off-limits since the devastating wildfire broke out. Lynn La, CalMatters (What Matters newsletter), Nov. 10, 2025
- MORE COVERAGE: Los Angeles Times,NBC Los Angeles, CBS News, KTLA, Los Angeles Daily News, Circling The News
Service members, families can visit state parks for free: The California Department of Parks and Recreation reports that participating state park units are offering free admission for veterans, active and reserve military members and their families on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11. This includes Plumas County’s state park, Plumas-Eureka State Park. Plumas Sun, Nov. 10, 2025
Big Sur's Best-Kept Secret Is A California State Park Known For Wild Coastal Views And Scenic Campgrounds: The 90 miles of coastline that make up California's Big Sur (which rivals Italy's Cinque Terre for striking cliff views) tops many people's travel wish lists. The area is home to eight protected state parks, including Garrapata State Park, a beach with dramatic views and trails. It also hosts one of California's best kept secrets — Limekiln State Park. Kelley Dukat, Islands, Nov. 9, 2025
San Lorenzo River mouth surf spot approved as California Historic Landmark: The California Historical Resource Commission unanimously agreed to designate the Three Princes’ Surf Site at the San Lorenzo River mouth as a California Historical Landmark. The application process was spearheaded by California State Parks but came after at least a decade of advocacy work among local community members and surfers. PK Hattis, Santa Cruz Sentinel, Nov. 8, 2025
Local photographers celebrate California’s beauty with contest-winning shots: For Patrick Rodden, a high school assistant principal in Modesto, nature photography allows him a chance to be still and take in incredible scenery. Jackson Ellison, ABC10, Nov. 8, 2025
Reminder for California’s CalWORKs and Tribal TANF recipients on free access to State Parks via the Golden Bear Pass: California’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to its natural treasures is embodied in the Golden Bear Pass program, which offers free admission to all state parks for eligible low-income families and tribal households receiving assistance through CalWORKs and Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs. Josh Friedman, Cal Coast Times, Nov. 8, 2025