Take a Hike Series: Birds of a Feather with Alcatal Bird Alliance

Take a Hike: Birds of a Feather with Altacal Bird Alliance
Join us! Come discover the birds of the Deer Creek Preserve!

The Northern California Regional Land Trust is excited to welcome you to our hidden gem: the Deer Creek Preserve. The Preserve is 600 acres of mixed conifer forest, chaparral, and oak woodland that is bisected by Deer Creek and encompasses Lower Deer Creek falls, including the California Department of Fish and Wildlife managed fish ladder. It is surrounded by Lassen National Forest and land owned by Sierra Pacific Industries and remains one of few places within the Deer Creek watershed that has not been affected by recent catastrophic wildfires.The Deer Creek Trail begins at HWY 32 and runs through the preserve and beyond!
Led by the Land Trust staff, alongside a local bird expert from the AltaCal Bird Alliance, this is a moderate hike of three to four miles, depending on participant interest. Our hike begins at the Deer Creek Trailhead and our typical turn-around is Lower Deer Creek Falls. The trail meanders along Deer Creek, where American dippers are abundant and can be seen ‘dipping’ for aquatic macro invertebrates atop rocks in the riffles. Other sightings could include brown creeper, Steller’s jay, Townsend solitaire, mountain quail, hairy woodpecker, black-throated gray warbler and many more.
The group will meet at the Deer Creek Trailhead at 9am before hitting the trail. The trailhead parking is located roughly 40 miles from the Chico Park & Ride up HWY 32 on the other side of the “red bridge” that crosses Deer Creek. There is a large sign with trail information. Optionally, we will be leading a caravan to the trailhead that will meet at the Chico Park & Ride (East lot, furthest from HWY 99) at 8:00am, with a departure time of 8:15am. This is recommended for first-time visitors, as there is no cell service after you pass Forest Ranch. Carpooling is strongly encouraged as trailhead parking can be limited on weekends. Expect to be on the trail from roughly 9am-12pm and back to Chico Park & Ride between 1-1:30pm.
Supportive footwear, light clothing layers, sunscreen, a hat, ample water, and snacks are recommended. There are a few, moderately steep, sections where trekking poles may come in handy for those that like extra stability and support.
Registration is free but is required to participate.
Your optional, tax-deductible donation supports NCRLT stewardship of the Deer Creek Preserve.
Suggested Donation: $10 per person