A: You can access driving directions here. Please note that there is no cell service covering most of this route, so having a downloaded or printed copy of the directions is strongly recommended.
Q: Is lunch included in the event?
A: No meals or refreshments are provided during Take a Hike events. Please pack ample water and snacks for the hike! Optionally, participants are welcome to leave a cooler in their vehicle at the trailhead and stay behind after the hike ends to picnic by Deer Creek. Alternately, participants returning to Chico via Highway 32 will pass Zavattero's Grocery & Deli in Forest Ranch, offering a very popular deli counter and selection of fresh and packaged food options.
Q: Are Take a Hike events open to kids?
A: We welcome participants of all ages and abilities! Before registering your wee ones, we do ask you to consider whether they are fit to keep pace with the group on a moderate 3-4 mile hike, would be respectful of the educational experience of other attendees, and are prepared to benefit from this kind of informal learning opportunity. The Preserve is open to the public year-around, and families may find a self-guided tour a more enjoyable way to experience this wonderful place. Feel free to reach out to our staff for directions and suggestions on features of interest to plan your visit around.
Q: Can I bring my dog to Take a Hike events?
A: While leashed pets are permitted on the Preserve, we ask educational event participants to leave Fido at home. The Take a Hike series is designed to allow participants to encounter and identify wildlife on the Preserve, and to learn from knowledgeable guides. In addition to crowding concerns on the narrow trail, family pets could scare off wildlife or create distractions that may detract from the educational experience for other attendees. Registered service animals are always welcome.
Q: Is the Deer Creek Preserve accessible to disabled participants?
A: While there is no infrastructure in place that is purpose-built for full accessibility, our staff are happy to discuss your needs on a case-by-case basis. Wherever possible, our goal is to enable full participation by anyone who wishes to join a Take a Hike event. The Deer Creek Trail is narrow, rocky in places, and has some moderately steep ascents/descents. While there is an alternate route that bypasses the creek crossing on the Preserve, the trail surface would require special planning for wheeled access, and ultimately limit wheeled access to the fish ladder. It is likely that significant personal assistance would be required to navigate the terrain, and we are working to offer a virtual reality experience to complement access.
