Cache Creek Natural Area

www.blm.gov

Description

This secluded, hilly expanse of oak woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral is a combination of over 70,000 acres of BLM managed lands and 4,700 acres of State and County lands.  The Natural Area is traversed by Cache Creek, with its year-round water flow.

Elevation ranges from 3200 feet atop Brushy Sky High, down to 600 feet in the eastern end of Cache Creek along State Route 16.  Showcasing the area is about 35 miles of the main fork of Cache Creek and 2.5 miles of the north fork.  Also present are several tributary creeks that contain permanent water.

Along the creek, wetland grasses, rushes and sedges grow under a canopy of cottonwoods, willows, oaks and alders providing excellent wildlife habitat.  About half the Cache Creek area is shrubland, with vegetation including mixed chaparral, serpentine chaparral and chamise chaparral.  The remainder of the area is about equally divided between native oaks and grassland.  Numerous bird species have been spotted here.

The Cache Creek Natural Area is a primitive area, closed to motorized vehicles.  There are no developed campgrounds or facilities.  Non-hunting (target) shooting is not allowed.  Instead, the area is managed to improve habitat for wildlife and rare plants, to protect cultural resource values, and to offer primitive recreation opportunities, including wildlife viewing, river running, hiking, equestrian use, hunting and fishing.  

Activities

• Wildlife Viewing
• River Running
• Hiking
• Nature Study
• Horseback Riding
• Fishing

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