Newsroom

Due to mountain lion activity in the area, Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park is closed until further notice.

The park closed out of an abundance of caution the evening of Thursday, August 27, 2020 following multiple mountain lion sightings by park visitors and staff, raising public safety concerns.

We will provide updates on the park status as available.

See our mountain lion flier for more information about avoiding wildlife conflicts.

For more information on the management of mountain lions, please refer to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife: wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Mountain-Lion

Due to an increase in recent confirmed mountain lion sightings at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, visitors are advised to stay alert to avoid potential conflict.

OC Public Works, on behalf of OC Parks, will complete a pavement rehabilitation project within Ralph B. Clark Regional Park located in the Cities of Fullerton and Buena Park. Minor sidewalk and curb ramps reconstruction will be performed outside of the Park at its northeast corner on Rosecrans Avenue. Park visitors may experience an increase in construction-related noise and dust during regular working hours. The work activity will be completed in phases, utilizing traffic control and flag personnel which will allow park visitors access to the majority of the park during construction.

The County of Orange will close all County-operated beaches and beach parking lots on July 4 and 5 following a State recommendation meant to slow the spread of COVID-19.

OC Parks serves as the steward of 60,000 acres of County parks, beaches and open space. This stewardship involves the protection and preservation of sustainable, healthy habitat both for generations of future visitors and also the local wildlife that live in it.

The County’s regional and wilderness parks and open space offer hundreds of miles of existing trails for pedestrian, bicycle and equestrian uses. Building and use of unauthorized trails, however, remains an ongoing issue.

These unauthorized trails cut through preserved habitat and jeopardize public access, native habitat and wildlife. In many parks, OC Parks does not even have the discretion to allow or disregard unauthorized trails; it is bound by state and federal agencies to preserve the land.

Here are some of the top reasons to stay off unauthorized, unmarked trails.

There’s California gold in those hills! California Poppies, that is. The state flower is in full bloom around OC Parks’ Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens.

Arden was the shady canyon home of famous Shakespearean actress Helena Modjeska in the late 1800s. Her historic house still stands today with its striking architecture and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark destination. A young Englishman, Theodore Payne, began his American career as Madame Modjeska’s head gardener in 1893. He found his passion for horticulture at an early age, but his love for California native plants began while working on the ranch and exploring the wild canyons of Orange County. He was a strong advocate of growing and protecting California natives, and left behind a legacy of beautiful botanical gardens and a foundation which continues his work to this day.

Here's your chance to draw California poppies from your own home! Follow the steps in the photos (check our social media on Monday!) to draw this flower or you can print out the coloring page in the "More" link.

Due to continued mountain lion activity in the area, Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park will remain closed until further notice.

The park initially closed out of an abundance of caution Friday, May 29 following multiple mountain lion sightings by park visitors and staff, raising public safety concerns.

Wardens and biologists from the California Department of Wildlife and park staff continue to investigate and monitor the situation. We will provide updates on the park status as available.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to reopen parking lots at all County regional and wilderness parks.

While everyone is practicing safe physical distancing, OC Parks is bringing concerts to viewers in the comfort of their own homes. “OC Parks Sound Check,” a virtual concert series kicked off on Saturday, April 25 with Matt Costa followed by Dream Brother on May 2. Viewers can tune in each Saturday at 4 p.m. on Facebook (@OrangeCountyParks) or Instagram (@OCParks) for virtual performances from local artists each Saturday through the end of May. Performers will include Matt Baxter [United] followed by Wheeland Brothers, Justin Ratowsky from Cali Conscious, and a final concert featuring Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. Please see below for the remaining OC Parks Sound Check schedule.

UPDATED 9/01/20: In an effort to minimize the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on park patrons, staff, and the Orange County community at large, and consistent with the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Governor’s office, the Orange County Board of Supervisors and the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA), OC Parks are operating in the following manner.

Please be advised that the Villa Park Dam will be releasing water starting Monday, March 9 at 8 a.m.

Water levels of Santiago Creek will rise downstream, causing creek crossings inside Santiago Oaks Regional Park impassible.

Upcoming catfish stocking schedule by week for Irvine Lake, Carbon Canyon, Craig, Clark, Tri-City, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mile Square and Yorba regional Parks.

California fishing license required* and all California Department of Fish and Wildlife rules apply.
(*license not required at Irvine Lake)

Hop on over to the Irvine Park Railroad with family and friends to enjoy this fun and exciting springtime event. Children can meet and have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny as well as participate in several activities that are located throughout the area.

The Eggstravaganza runs daily March 21-April 11.

The clocks spring forward early March 8, marking the beginning of daylight-saving time and OC Parks’ spring-summer operating schedule. Most regional parks will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wilderness parks and selected regional parks are open at 7 a.m. and close at sunset year round.

Capistrano Unified School District conducts surfing classes for students at Salt Creek Beach throughout the school year. The beach remains open to the public during these times. Please see the link below for days and times the beach may be affected.

OC Parks includes more than 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal landmarks, and open space that are full of breath-taking views and hidden gems. Grab your camera and come out to explore these landmarks.

Here are our top 3 picturesque photo spots throughout OC Parks, and how to get there. Watch our video for more information.

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park reopened Wednesday after California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials completed their investigation into a mountain lion incident that took place the evening of Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park is closed today due to an incident involving a mountain lion.

OC Parks and OC Public Works is currently working to obtain a cost estimate for the Yorba Regional Park shelter roof replacement. A cost estimate will be obtained soon.

OC Parks invites families to join us for a festive calendar of events starting the day after Thanksgiving through January. From guided hikes under the stars to meet-and-greets with Santa Claus, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate the holiday season in the outdoors.

OC Public Works, in collaboration with OC Parks, will complete a pavement rehabilitation project along AWMA Road and within Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park between November 4 - Early December 2019. View the PDF to learn more.

**Revised 2/18/20
Upcoming trout stocking schedule by week for Irvine Lake, Carbon Canyon Craig, Clark, Tri-City, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mile Square and Yorba regional Parks.

California fishing license required* and all California Department of Fish and Wildlife rules apply.
(*license not required at Irvine Lake)

The clocks fall back early Nov. 3, marking the end of daylight-saving time and OC Parks’ spring-summer operating schedule. Most regional parks close at 6 p.m. for the fall and winter, and wilderness parks close at sunset.

Want to learn more about different aspects of OC Parks? Each month we bring you a Top 3 things to know about different topics in OC Parks.

OC Public Works, on behalf of OC Parks, will complete a pavement rehabilitation project within Laguna Niguel Regional Park located in the City of Laguna Niguel. Park users may experience an increase in construction-related noise and dust during regular working hours. The work activity will be completed in phases, utilizing traffic control and flag personnel which will allow park users to utilize the majority of the park during construction. Park users are advised to adhere to all traffic control signage. All construction activity will occur on weekdays.

Celebrate the fall season at Heritage Hill Historical Park with two special events.

On Saturday, October 5, from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m., the annual Autumn Harvest Festival will return for family-friendly fun.

The Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch runs daily Sept. 14 through Oct. 31 at Irvine Regional Park.

Train and activity tickets are available for purchase.

Capistrano Unified School District conducts surfing classes for students at Salt Creek Beach throughout the school year. The beach remains open to the public during these times. Please see the link below for days and times the beach may be affected.

All fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks, are prohibited in County parks.

Regional parks are expected to be very busy July 4, and parking fees at most regional parks will be $7.

A list of professional fireworks displays, including one at Laguna Niguel Regional Park, is available on the Orange County Fire Authority website.

OC Public Works will complete a routine rehabilitation project within the Ocean View Flood Control Channel in the Cities of Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach beginning Mid June 2019.

Spring is here, and that means longer hours, warmer temperatures and more people – and wildlife – out in the parks.

• Parks open later: Spring-summer hours, during Daylight Saving Time, mean parks close at 9 p.m. or sunset.
• Wildlife sightings: Park rangers have reported increased sightings of snakes, including rattlesnakes. Be sure to keep yourself – and your dog, where permitted – on the trail and aware of your surroundings to avoid an encounter. Also watch out for ticks clinging to long brush and grasses.
• Wildflowers: Take all the photos you want from the trail, but never pick wildflowers – leave them for others to enjoy and to spread their seeds for next season.
• Warmer temperatures: While it’s always important to be prepared, warmer weather makes essentials like water and sunscreen even more important.

Many County regional parks are expecting large crowds April 21 due to the Easter holiday. Easter Sunday is typically one of the busiest holidays at all OC Parks regional parks.

Regional parks will fill to parking capacity very early in the day. Once this happens, visitors must find other legal parking outside of the parks and walk in. Some parks will direct vehicles to nearby overflow parking areas. Irvine Regional Park will offer overflow parking at Santiago Canyon College.

Once again OC Parks brings live music to Orange County's regional parks. Enjoy 10 concerts at five different parks, Thursday nights from June 20 through Aug. 29. Headliners include Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, The English Beat, Lit and more.

Grab a beach chair and some popcorn, because OC Parks is bringing the big screens back to your favorite regional parks again this summer. Enjoy 14 movies at seven different parks, Friday nights from June 14 through Sept. 13.

Wildflowers are now blooming in OC Parks. Please follow all park rules while you enjoy the flowers. Make sure to stay on marked trails and do not pick the flowers. Click the link for a video about wildflower viewing.

Upcoming catfish stocking schedules by week for Carbon Canyon, Craig, Clark, Tri-City, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mile Square and Yorba regional parks.

More specific dates are not given to avoid focusing excess fishing activity immediately after a plant.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers Monday, March 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Irvine Regional Park to learn about the various volunteer opportunities available in many of our OC Parks facilities. Travel around to park booths to meet park staff, ask questions, and learn what a "day in the life" of a typical volunteer at that facility would be like. Visit as many or as few park booths as you are interested in.

OC Parks is taking action and developing a long-term strategy to preserve public access and amenities at Capistrano Beach after coastal erosion seriously damaged a walkway.

The beach has long battled debris and damage during strong tidal conditions, and after a large storm in November 2018, the wooden boardwalk collapsed. OC Parks filed an emergency permit with the California Coastal Commission for temporary stabilization measures.

The area around the existing basketball courts and restroom building were seriously compromised. Removing the courts and restroom was necessary for public safety and to prevent further damage that could lead to ocean debris and pollution.

The Muth Interpretive Center at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve will offer twice-daily screenings of the four-part documentary "California Mountain Lions."

This 28-minute program will be offered twice daily in the Ray and Elsa Watson Theater in the Muth Interpretive Center.

Showtimes: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Capistrano Unified School District conducts surfing classes for students at Salt Creek Beach throughout the school year. The beach remains open to the public during these times. Please see the link below for days and times the beach may be affected.

The clocks spring forward early March 10, marking the beginning of daylight-saving time and OC Parks’ spring-summer operating schedule. Most regional parks will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wilderness parks and selected regional parks are open at 7 a.m. and close at sunset year round.

Upcoming trail work will reopen and realign some trails in southern portions of O’Neill Regional Park, including Water Works, Ladera and Chiquita Ridge trails

Maintenance activities scheduled the week of Feb. 11 will cause some trail closures at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, weather permitting. Work is scheduled for West Ridge and Canyon Acres trails. Rain may delay these projects.

Chutes and Chutes Ridgeline trails are closed due to storm damage. Repairs are scheduled to begin Feb. 26. Rain or muddy conditions may reschedule this project.

Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks, a volunteer parks and open space advocacy support group, has created a History Video Series of Orange County parks.

*Updated 3/11/19
Upcoming trout stocking schedules by week for Carbon Canyon, Craig, Clark, Tri-City, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mile Square and Yorba regional parks.

More specific dates are not given to avoid focusing excess fishing activity immediately after a plant.

Congress through the National Park Service, Department of Interior, selected OC Parks as a grant recipient to “Save America’s Treasures.” The National Park Service, in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts, provided $4.8 million in grants awarded to 16 projects in 12 states, supporting the preservation of nationally significant historic properties and collections throughout the country.

The County Board of Supervisors approved the following two recommendations - 1. No Parking Zone / Tow Away Zone near the Black Star Canyon Access Gate and 2. No Parking Zone along Black Star Canyon Road between 10 pm - 4pm. See PDF for more information.

OC Public Works, in collaboration with OC Parks, will implement erosion and sediment control measures at various locations throughout the park beginning in early November. View the PDF to learn more.

Due to the recent Holy Fire, flooding and debris flows may occur during rain events affecting Trabuco Creek, adjacent to the O’Neill Regional Park campground.

Please be advised that the campground will be evacuated and the park closed if predicted or actual rainfall exceeds safe thresholds and conditions exist that pose imminent threat to life and property.

The clocks fall back early Nov. 4, marking the end of daylight-saving time and OC Parks’ spring-summer operating schedule. Most regional parks close at 6 p.m. for the fall and winter, and wilderness parks close at sunset.

(Orange County, Calif.) – In 2018 OC Parks received multiple achievement awards from the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA), National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO), and the Los Angeles Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

For the past 20 years, Orange County Codified Ordinance OCCO 2-5-29(n) prohibited the use of all motorized conveyances, including electric bicycles (eBikes) on all County bikeways and trails.

On July 17, 2018, the Board of Supervisors passed a revision to the ordinance, making the following exception: “Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles, as defined by the California Vehicle Code, on those regional paved, off-road bikeways designated for such use by the Director of OC Parks.”

Currently, this means that Class 1 and 2 eBikes are now permitted on more than 75 miles of paved Orange County regional bikeways. Due to safety concerns, all classes of eBikes continue to be prohibited on unpaved trails within regional and wilderness parks.

Capistrano Unified School District conducts surfing classes for students at Salt Creek Beach throughout the school year. The beach remains open to the public during these times. Please see the link below for days and times the beach may be affected.

Orange County Codified Ordinances prohibit the use of motorized conveyances in County parks and recreation areas. This includes the use of all types of e-bikes and e-mountain bikes in regional and wilderness parks.

A July 17, 2018 revision to OCCO 2-5-29(n) makes the following exception for some regional bikeways: “Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles, as defined by the California Vehicle Code, on those regional paved, off-road bikeways designated for such use by the Director of OC Parks.”

Currently, this means that Class 1 and 2 electric bicycles are only permitted on the following County bikeways: Coyote Creek, Santa Ana River Trail, Bay View, San Diego Creek, Peters Canyon, Hicks Canyon, Aliso Creek, Salt Creek Trail and San Juan Creek bikeways.

Visitors riding e-bikes in other County park facilities or trails are subject to citation.

Due to public safety concerns and the increasing cost of maintenance, the fire pits at Capistrano Beach will be removed.

All fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks, are prohibited in County parks.

Regional parks are expected to be very busy July 4, and parking fees at most regional parks will be $7.

A list of 2018 professional fireworks displays is available on the Orange County Fire Authority website.

The Old Orange County Courthouse will host the exhibit On the Edge of Flames – Fire and Recovery at Orange County Parks from June 11 to Oct. 12, 2018.

With a special focus on Canyon Fire 2 from 2017, the displays show how fire has affected the land, the response during and directly after a fire, and how OC Parks and other partners help the land recover.

This exhibit features photos of historic fires, before and after pictures of fire and recovery, trail camera footage and a compilation video of Canyon Fires 1 and 2 from Orange County Fire Authority, firefighting tools and materials, and information on how to prepare for wildfires.

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is scheduled to reopen Saturday morning, June 9. Trails damaged in the June 2 Aliso Fire will remain closed. Laguna Niguel Regional Park reopened Friday morning.

The following trails will remain closed until further notice for fire recovery: Nature Loop, Dripping Cave and Coyote Run (south of Rock-It).

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park and Laguna Niguel Regional Park are closed until further notice due to the Aliso Fire.

The Aliso Fire ignited June 2, 2018 and burned approximately 178 acres of sensitive habitat inside Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. The park remains closed while fire crews continue suppression efforts.

Fire crews continue to stage at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. That park is expected to remain closed through the end of the week.

OC Parks Summer Concert Series returns with 10 free outdoor concerts Thursday evenings, June 21 – August 23 from 5 – 8 p.m. Enjoy live music with friends and family under the summer sky at Craig Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach.

The concert series kicks off with Donavon Frankenreiter on June 21, followed by popular local and national artists including Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Stone Soul, Flashback Heart Attack, Hollywood U2 and Topcat, The English Beat, Sweet & Tender Hooligans, The Fenians, Matt Costa, Tijuana Dogs and Family Style, with more artists still to be announced.

OC Parks Sunset Cinema film series brings the big screen to your favorite regional parks. Fourteen free movie screenings will take place June 16 – September 14 around sunset at Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Craig Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Yorba Regional Park, Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. People of all ages can enjoy recent favorites and popular classics with free parking beginning at 6 p.m. and show times at approximately 8 p.m.

The County of Orange is interested in hearing from non-profit youth organizations who need soccer fields for practice and matches. Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley has three soccer fields available for use by approved Orange County-based non-profit youth organizations. Click for more information.

A portion of the Santa Ana River Trail from Memory Lane in Santa Ana to Taft Avenue in Orange was closed on January 22, 2018, to the public for an environmental remediation project. It was anticipated to remain closed for up to three months.

The County has made significant progress on the project, and a modified public access route will be restored April 7, 2018.

While environmental remediation work is ongoing in some areas, the work zones will be secured by temporary construction fencing. A slightly modified trail route will allow public use of a trail for hiking, bicycling, and equestrian activity only while being separated from continuing project and maintenance activities.

Many County regional parks are expecting large crowds April 1 due to Easter and Persian New Year.

Easter falls on April 1 this year and is typically one of the busiest holidays at all OC Parks regional parks. Persian New Year also draws large crowds to Mason and Laguna Niguel regional parks.

Sunday, parks will fill to parking capacity very early in the day. Once this happens, visitors must find other legal parking outside of the parks and walk in. Some parks will direct vehicles to nearby overflow parking areas.

(Orange County, Calif.) – The County of Orange and OC Parks are pleased to present the annual OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema film series. Enjoy summer nights at the parks with free concerts and movie screenings in a family-friendly atmosphere. All events will include free parking with food and drink available for purchase. Dates and times vary per series.

A new mural created by local high school students will soon adorn the tunnel leading to legendary Salt Creek Beach.

OC Parks collaborated with the Dana Hills High School art department on this special community art project to select the final design.

Painting is scheduled to begin March 24 and should be completed by the end of the month. View the artwork

*Updated 5/3/18: Upcoming catfish stocking schedules by week for Carbon Canyon, Craig, Clark, Tri-City, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mile Square and Yorba regional parks.

More specific dates are not given to avoid focusing excess fishing activity immediately after a plant.

Starting March 19, OC Parks and habitat restoration specialists will begin a pampas grass removal project at Talbert Regional Park, South of Victoria Avenue. Park visitors may experience some temporary trail closures during this time.
Learn more about the Talbert Regional Park by reading the full Habitat Restoration Plan

Capistrano Unified School District conducts surfing classes for students at Salt Creek Beach throughout the school year. The beach remains open to the public during these times. Please see the link below for days and times the beach may be affected.

OC Parks is initiating a new firewood policy designed to reduce the risk of damaging Orange County’s oak and sycamore woodlands and other trees from invasive pests.

Effective today, visitors to OC Parks’ two camping parks, Caspers Wilderness Park and O’Neill Regional Park, may no longer bring or burn outside firewood, unless it is commercially produced, heat treated and labeled “Pest Free” or “Safe to Move.” This is due to highly invasive and destructive non-native insects that could travel in firewood and decimate local tree populations.

Santiago Oaks and Peters Canyon regional parks, as well as exterior trails at Irvine Regional Park, will be closed as of 12 p.m. Current weather forecasts show heavy rain expected in Canyon Fire 2 burn areas, which pose the risk of mud and debris flows. While OC Parks has taken measures to reduce the risk, debris flows may still occur. Please stay out of closed areas for your safety.

Beginning Monday, January 22, 2018, the County of Orange will temporarily close a portion of the Santa Ana River Trail (SART) from Memory Lane in Orange to Taft Avenue/Ball Road in Anaheim for an environmental remediation project. Upon completion of the project, estimated to last up to three months, the County will reopen the closed portion of the SART for recreational trail use during posted public access hours.

Starting Jan. 22 through late February, OC Public Works will complete a rehabilitation of the Upper Newport Bay parking lot. The rehabilitation includes removing existing decomposed granite and replacing it with sand-colored pervious concrete, installing wheel stops, and striping parking stalls.