Austin Creek State Recreation Area

Visitors enjoy exploring Austin Creek State Recreation Area, home to some of California's most distinctive landscapes from sweeping, steep grasslands to oak knolls, leafy river corridors, and past mixed conifers to rocky mountaintops.

The 5,836-acre recreation area has 20 miles of trails for day hikers, backpackers and equestrians. Many of the trails are steep, as elevations range from 150 to 1,500 feet. Mountain bikes are restricted to a six-mile fire road.

Backcountry camping is by permit only and there are three backcountry sites available, which are four to six miles from the overnight parking area.

There are 24 primitive campsites at the Bullfrog Pond Campground. No trailers or vehicles longer than 20 feet are allowed up to the campground.

The springtime wildflower displays include Douglas iris, Indian paint brush, buttercups, lupines, brodiaes, California poppies and shooting stars. Wildlife includes golden eagles, great blue herons, black-shouldered kites, black-tailed deer, mountain lions, and coyotes. You can spot introduced species like wild feral pigs and turkeys, as well.

Access to the park is through the dense forests of Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve. There is no day use fee for those who park at the front lot and hike into the reserve and recreation area.