There were beautiful scenic trails in every direction that we took. We were in the midst of wildflowers at one time, then under giant conifers next. Walking through deciduous trees after, and then trekking a wooden hiking path. All were easy to get to with little kids! Oak Glen Preserve’s Southern California Montane Botanic Garden offered this natural playground. It’s located in Oak Glen, Ca right next to Los Rios Rancho apple farm. We’ve only been to Oak Glen during the prime time of apple picking in the fall. It was a delight to discover what it had to offer in the spring.
Here are the highlights of our approximate two-hour nature walk:
1. THE TRAILS
From the main entrance, there is an area called Hummingbird Hill. It has a children’s trail, and already has lots of things to explore. Since it’s right by the entrance, this area is a great option to see if you’re short on time and don’t want to go further into the preserve.
We didn’t stay too long here. We then headed straight to the Artist’s Palette trail. This is a seasonal native wildflower trail generally open from May through June.
As we were walking up this area, the field of California poppies caught our attention and stole it at that point. It was a pretty sight to behold! Granted this was not an endless field like The Flower Field in Carlsbad, but still, seeing these lovely blooms in person is a check off my unwritten spring bucket list.
Entrance to the Preserve. Stop by the information kiosk to pick up a handy map or info on recent exhibits.
Artist’s Palette area showcases native wild flowers.
Concentrating on her yoga pose.
California poppies
From, the Artist’s Palette trail, we headed to the main nature trail.
We walked along the Pioneer Loop, where old tractor body frames and farming machinery were on display.
Past the first restroom, we came across the trailhead for the Conifers of California. Walking into this conifer forest gave a very different ambiance from being out in the open field. The towering pines offered a lovely cool shade. We sat in one of the wooden benches for a drink of water.
Start of the Conifer Trail
Cooling off under the shade of pine trees.
From the Conifer Trail, we followed a pathway that leads to the Red-Wing Pond. Along this path was where my son had the idea to draw Gruffalo paw prints using our hiking stick. The Gruffalo’s Child was the previous night’s movie night showing. And yes, he got inspired and made lots of paw prints in different sizes. We let the kids linger when they wanted to and not rush them to move on to the next.
The next area that we explored was the Wetlands Boardwalk Trail.
On top of seeing the poppy field, this was another pleasant surprise. I’m always drawn to these wooden hiking pathways. And to find one that is kid-friendly was icing on the cake! The first part of the trail was shady, and the latter half was out in the open.
The Boardwalk Trail took us back to the Red-Wing Pond area.
Easy trails fit for the little ones.
Deciduous forest on the way to the Wetlands Boardwalk trailhead.
Start of the Boardwalk trail
Wetlands BoardWalk Trail
2. RED-WING POND
A lady along the trail already mentioned there’s a HUGE catfish in the pond. As we stepped onto the floating-dock viewing area, we hoped to see this said catfish. Luckily, it didn’t disappoint. The catfish showed up and even went underneath the dock then back out again many times as if playing hide-and-seek with us. Of course, my son and daughter had a lot of fun with it. We also spotted a couple of smaller fishes and ducks. The pond area was very serene and an excellent place to take a break in.
3. OLD COOT STATION
On our way back, we stopped by the Old Coot station. The coot station is an almost-bare room with a long wooden table and some educational information on the wall about flora and fauna in the region. There was a bench right outside it fronting a frog pond. I sat on the bench while the kids ran in and out of the coot station, just because they think it’s fun to do.
Then, they couldn’t resist to climb and cross the boulders surrounding the frog pond.
It was almost lunchtime when we got done. The restaurant at Los Rios Rancho was already inviting us in through the smell of BBQ cooking right outside. We accepted the invitation and had sandwiches for lunch, and apple cider to drink, of course.
Tips for Visiting Oak Glen Preserve:
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There’s a bathroom by the entrance of the main nature trail. Another one is located by the parking lot closer to Los Rios restaurant.
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Stop by the information kiosk to get a map and for general information, including current events/exhibits and recent wildlife sightings.
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Check their website for opening times. As of this writing, they have different hours for November – March, and April – October.
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Arrive early, especially during apple picking season from August – November.
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Check the weather and dress appropriately.
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If it’s your first time, pace yourself. There’s plenty to stop you on your tracks, including interactive Kids Quizzes installed along garden trails, inspirational quotes engraved on rocks, and plant/tree markers.
For our next visit, we’ll try to make it all the way to the Oak Knoll Park or start there. Maybe we’ll plan a trip in the fall to see the changing colors of the deciduous trees.
