Great Place for a Short Walk

Oak Canyon Nature Center is a place that fits the old saw about good things coming in small packages.

Though just 58 acres set in the middle of the suburban tracts of Anaheim Hills, the wildlife sanctuary manages to create a remarkable feeling of solitude. Dense stands of oak block out views of the high-priced homes on the ridge above, while the sounds of a year-round stream provide a soothing aural backdrop.

Several habitats commingle within the sanctuary: Along the canyon bottoms are areas of oak woodland; the hillsides are blanketed in plants of the coastal sage scrub community. Although the stream is artificial, created by the runoff from a nearby reservoir, it provides a home for a variety of riparian plants and trees, including sycamore, willow, toyon and elderberry.

Oak Canyon is also a favorite area among bird-watchers and has a visitor center with wildlife displays.

The best news for walkers is that the nature center offers about six miles of interlocking trails within its boundaries, trails that range from flat, easy strolls to more challenging climbs along the ridges. With its combination of trail variety, scenery and accessibility (plus the fact that there are no mountain bikes to dodge), Oak Canyon may be the best place in the county for a short hike.

Trails are all named and well-marked, and maps are available at the visitor center. All are less than a mile, and some are just short linking paths, but from the winding network it is possible to put together numerous loops of varying length and difficulty. Here’s one suggested tour of the park:

As you enter the park, follow the main dirt road past the visitor center. After the road crosses its first bridge and enters a thick stand of oaks, watch for the beginning of the Stream Trail on the left.

This trail, just three-tenths of a mile long, crosses and recrosses the stream on picturesque wooden bridges. Some of the densest vegetation in the park is here, and also probably the most birds. They may stay quiet as you walk, but if you take a minute to sit on one of the benches, the birds will start to come back out.

After the third bridge on the Stream Trail, start watching for the intersection with the Quail Trail. There, turn right and cross the stream and the main road to the south side of the canyon, and make a right when you hit Bluebird Lane. This part of the walk stays mostly flat, heading through oak woodland.

From here on out, trend to the left every time you reach a fork in the trail. Wren Way, which contours through the southwestern corner of the canyon, is moderately hilly and gets full sun as it crosses open scrub. Tranquillity Trail traverses the western part of the park and includes a short loop that will take visitors on a quick climb to a park overview.

The trail then descends to the canyon floor, crossing the stream and returning to the main road near the visitor center. The entire walk is probably about 1 1/2 miles.

Note for families with toddlers or children in strollers: Heritage Trail is a self-guided nature trail that highlights some of the canyon’s plant life. The trail is paved for its 1/4-mile length, but there are some steep grades that can make it a difficult haul for wheelchair users. Also, the main park road is hard-packed dirt and is usable for strollers and wheelchairs.

Finally, Oak Canyon offers nature-oriented talks and activities each Saturday morning, usually at 10 a.m. (“Early birder” walks are offered the first Saturday of each month at 8 a.m.).

What: Oak Canyon Nature Center.

When: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim Hills.

Whereabouts: From the Riverside (91) Freeway, take Imperial Highway south to Nohl Ranch Road and turn left. Turn left on Walnut Canyon Road and follow it to the parking lot at the end.

Wherewithal: Free parking and admission.

Where to call: (714) 998-8380.