Deer Creek Preserve

Hannah Espinosa, Stewardship Director

NCRLT has, as we call it, a 600-acre “hidden gem” nestled in the middle of the Lassen National Forest known as the Deer Creek Preserve. It is the only property that the Land Trust owns, and it is our pride and joy! It was donated to us in 2012 by the Western Rivers Conservancy and the David and Lucille Packard Foundation, and we have enjoyed managing the property with our partner organizations over the years, particularly the fish ladder on Deer Creek.  

Deer Creek is an important spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and Central Valley steelhead. It is only 1 of 3 tributaries in Northern California that support spring-run Chinook salmon, a state and federally listed threatened species. The fish ladder located at Lower Deer Creek Falls on our Preserve was refurbished in 2018. This joint agency effort opened 5.25 additional miles of spawning and rearing habitat above the falls. The fish ladder is also a favorite exploration spot on our hikes.  

Each year we plan guided hikes to the Preserve so we may show off the beautiful and fascinating natural aspects of the Preserve to the public. We do not charge for the hikes because we want everyone to experience the joy of hiking along the Deer Creek Trail. The trail meanders along Deer Creek through the whole Preserve giving hikers sweeping views of the canyon and plenty of opportunity to cool off by the creek (if you courageous enough to brave the cold water!)   

As the Stewardship Director, I have the fun task of leading hikes throughout the spring on the Preserve. I know leading the hikes is part of my job, but it never feels like “work”. I look forward to each hike like it is a new adventure.  This year we have had 3 hikes on the Preserve so far including Phenology and Flora of the Preserve, and two more planned before the end of the season. Our last two hikes will explore the birds and aquatic life of the Preserve. If you want to experience the peace and joy of the Deer Creek Preserve, please join us & then you too can brag about our hidden gem!