*Please note advance registration is now REQUIRED for Wild Tales.*

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered every Friday from 10-11 a.m. and includes a story time, age-appropriate hike and themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 5, but all are welcome to attend. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may cancel the program or move it fully indoors.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here. Registration opens two weeks prior to the program date.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

*This program takes place at Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Participants will explore Laguna Niguel Lake and learn about native bird species. Complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here. 

For questions, please contact Interpretive Programs Curator Nathan Taxel at nathan.taxel@ocparks.com.

Click here to learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

OC Public Works will perform maintenance repairs along the Santa Ana River Trail. 

WHAT: 

The Santa Ana River Trail will remain open during maintenance.

• Work will begin on the existing Santa Ana River Trail between Yorba Linda Blvd./La Palma Ave. to Lincoln Ave.
• Work will include removal and replacement of damaged sections of asphalt concrete trail, crack sealing, application of surface seal and re-establishing striping and stenciling. 
• Traffic control measures such as flag personnel, changeable message signs and extensive delineation of the work area will be present and moved daily to accommodate the work area. 

WHEN: 

Anticipated Construction Duration:
May 5, 2025 - June 2025

Working Days/Hours:
Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The construction schedule is tentative and subject to change due to weather and other factors.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 

Construction Inspector Raul Castaneda
714-936-5753

Sup. Construction Inspector Michael Estrada
714-719-1679

ProjectInfo@ocpw.ocgov.com
ocpublicworks.com 

*This program takes place at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources. 

Participants will explore Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. 

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome. 

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Inclement weather may cancel the program. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please email shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com.

Click here to learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

​​​​​​*This program begins at the James Dilley Preserve, 350 Artisan Dr., Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Enjoy an easy 2.5-mile hike with your family at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park! Starting at the James Dilley Preserve, we will hike one of the most diverse areas of the park to Barbara’s Lake and back. The hike is moderate but includes uneven terrain and approximately 45 feet of elevation gain. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water.

Participants 18 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program. 

*This program begins at Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters, 10 Phillips Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

If you use the wilderness parks for hiking, biking, photography or just relaxing, trail work might be for you! Join us as we work together to protect the fragile habitat and increase the sustainability of trails at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 

No experience is necessary and gloves and tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring water. Expect to hike up to 4 miles while carrying tools. 

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here. 

Participants must be 16 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

The program and parking are free for volunteers. 

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program. 

*This program begins at the Willow Staging Area, 20070 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Please be aware this is a fitness hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. 

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 6.2-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with 850 feet of elevation gain. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

Participants must be 16 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program. 

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park as we learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call the canyon home. 

Volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities including removing non-native plants, cleaning up the creek or planting native plants. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring water. 

The program will meet at the Nix Nature Center parking lot. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

This program is for ages 16 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. The program and parking are free. Participants will receive a parking voucher after signing in. 

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel this program.

*This program begins at Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters, 10 Phillips Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Join OC Parks, Laguna Canyon Foundation and the Sawdust Art Festival as we learn about our native ecosystems and how to explore them through art. This month’s program will feature a short native plant hike and instruction on painting a watercolor landscape. This beginner class is perfect for those interested in exploring landscapes using watercolor pencils. No experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and creativity! 

Wear closed-toed shoes, long pants and sun protection and bring water. A sketchbook and pencil will be provided. 

The program is free. Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here. 

Participants must be 16 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program. 

​​​​​​*This program begins at the James Dilley Preserve, 350 Artisan Dr., Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

If you use the wilderness parks for hiking, biking, photography or just relaxing, trail work might be for you! Join us as we work together to protect the fragile habitat and increase the sustainability of trails at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 

No experience is necessary and gloves and tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring water. Expect to hike up to 4 miles while carrying tools. 

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

Participants must be 16 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

The program and parking are free for volunteers. 

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program.