Oasis beside the freeway

Near the junction of the 405 and 101 freeways, in the green space below the Sepulveda Dam, is a haven for many species of winged wildlife. Nearby are a hidden Japanese garden, an archery range and a string of cricket pitches.

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1. Depart from the parking area, near a building that houses restrooms and a wildlife education center, at the end of a long lane bordered by cricket lawns where men in white bat and bowl in the English tradition.

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2. From this lakeside viewing area, you might see a great blue heron, snowy egret, black-necked stilt, Canada goose or enormous American white pelican floating, flying or wading nearby.

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3. Mallards seem to dominate the island life visible from this shaded, secluded lakeside viewing area.

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4. The paved walkway ends here. Return as you came or continue counterclockwise on a path that rings the lake.

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5. When you’ve finished the lake circuit, wander over the bridge and through the trees to observe the cricketers or walk past the amphitheater to check out the “Hunger Games” wannabes at the archery range.

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6. To extend your walk, visit the remarkable Japanese Garden inside the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant. Self-guided tours cost $3 a person ($2 for children and seniors), 11 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Sundays. Closed Fridays and Saturdays.

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charles.fleming@latimes.com

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The stats

Distance: 1.1 miles (for the loop around the lake)

Duration: 40 minutes

Difficulty: 1 (on a scale of 1 to 5)

Details: No dogs allowed. Wheelchair accessible. Bus: Routes 164, 236 and Woodley Station on Metro Orange Line.