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Cache Creek Wildlife Area

Description

The Cache Creek Wildlife Area is approximately 2,300 acres, of which the majority is fairly steep. Typical interior coast range chaparral species and oak-gray pine stands are found on the property. Associated with chamise stands are interior live oak, scrub oak, deer brush, toyon, birchleaf mahogany, yerba santa, gray pine, and others. A regular winter visitor to the area is the bald eagle which can be seen roosting or soaring from mid October through mid August.

The area has two units: North Fork Cache Creek and Harley Gulch. The two units are cooperatively managed by The Bureau of Land Management, Yolo County Parks, and CDFW. Both units provide access to the BLM Cache Creek Natural Area.

For more information, call the North Central Region Rancho Cordova office at (916) 358-2900.

Recreational Opportunities

Wildlife Viewing Hiking Trails Bow Hunting Deer Hunting Black Bear Hunting Wild Pig Hunting Turkey Hunting Quail Hunting Restrooms

Activities: wildlife viewing, birdwatching, hiking, and hunting

Hunting: Deer, elk, black bear, wild pig, rabbit, wild turkey, quail, pigeon, and dove may be present.

Type C: Cache Creek Wildlife Area, including the North Fork Cache Creek Unit and Harley Gulch Unit, does not require the purchase of a hunting pass for entry. Entry permits and/or passes or special drawing may be required for hunting on some Type C wildlife areas.

Facilities: Restrooms are located at trailheads.

For more information from the Bureau of Land Management, contact them at:

2550 North State Street
Ukiah, CA 95482
(707) 468-4000

For information on Cache Creek Canyon County Park group areas, picnic areas, and camping call (707) 666-8115.

NOTE: Visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all regulations pertaining to the use of Department lands.

Refer to the Public Uses on State and Federal Lands section of the Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use Regulations (PDF) booklet for both statewide and property-specific regulations.

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You may not operate a drone on CDFW Lands without a Special Use Permit.

Area History

The property was designated as a wildlife area by the Fish and Game Commission in 1988. Prior to this, there was limited off-road vehicle use by local landowners, a minor amount of grazing in the Perkins Creek Allotment, and a river-running concession with associated vehicle use operating from Buck Island.

The purpose of the acquisition was to protect habitat along Cache Creek and the North Fork of Cache Creek. The area contained habitat for the Wilson Valley tule elk subherd with the highest potential for improvements that would increase the population, and is also an important wintering area for the southern bald eagle. The acquisition also provided public access for recreational users of the large block of public land south of the wildlife area.

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Location

North Central Region (Region 2)

Colusa and Lake counties

25-29 miles west of Williams and Interstate 5, on the south side of Hwy 20

Access:

  • Harley Gulch Unit is approximately 10 miles southeast from the junction with Hwy 53, near Walker Ridge Road. Park at the Judge Davis Trailhead parking area and head south on the trail.
  • North Fork Cache Creek Unit is approximately 5 miles southeast from the junction with Hwy 53. Park at the Redbud Trailhead parking area and head south on the trail.

Detailed Map (PDF)

Topographic Maps: Cache Creek WA (PDF) | Harley Gulch Unit (PDF) | North Fork Cache Creek Unit (PDF)

CDFW Lands Viewer

Wildlife Branch - Lands Program
Mailing: P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090