Created by ancient lava (basalt) flows, the approximately 3,300 acre North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is an elevated basalt mesa with beautiful vistas of spring wildflowers, waterfalls, lava outcrops, and a rare type of vernal pool, called Northern Basalt Flow Vernal Pools. Despite the impacts of non-native invasive plant species, range management practices, such as cattle grazing, have contributed to maintaining spectacular wildflower blooms that draw visitors from far and near.
Notice: Except as provided in CCR Title 14, §650, removal or disturbance of any form of plant or animal life or removal of mineral, archaeological, or natural resources in any form at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is prohibited.
Things To Do
- Extensive unpaved trails lead to seasonal waterfalls, streams, pools, and natural hillside landscapes. Wildlife viewing, birdwatching and photography opportunities are available to visitors year round.
- Wildflowers bloom in an array of colors throughout the spring. Beautiful to behold, these blooms are best appreciated and photographed from the established trails. To preserve their natural beauty, the flowers should not be picked or walked through.
- Seasonal vernal pools host unique temporary ecosystems, but dry up after the rainy season each year. Viewing these fragile habitats, and the plants and animals that inhabit them, is wonderful way to experience nature.
Entry Passes
Anyone 16 years of age or older must be in possession of a CDFW Lands Pass while visiting North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve.
Visitors who are in possession of a valid California hunting or fishing license in their name are not required to purchase a Lands Pass, but this is true only for the license holder. Visitors age 16 or older accompanying the license holder must either show a valid California hunting or fishing license of their own, or a valid Lands Pass while visiting North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve.
Lands Passes may be purchased online, by phone at (800) 565-1458, or in-person at locations wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold. A Lands Pass cannot be substituted for a Hunting Pass, which is required for adult hunters on Type-A wildlife areas.
School and organized youth groups (including accompanying adults) are also exempt. While guided field trips are not available, educational resources and pre-visit materials may be obtained by contacting Molly.Shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
Facilities
There are no regularly staffed locations at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve. CDFW staff may be present at various times during the year, especially during peak visitation season in the spring. For specific questions and issues requiring staff assistance, contact regional staff at interpretiveservices@wildlife.ca.gov or (916) 358-2869 or call the North Central Region office at (916) 358-2900.
Parking at the site is limited to the gravel Cherokee Road parking lot. This lot is relatively small and can fill up quickly on peak visitation days. Vistors are advised that parking along Cherokee Road is not permitted and may result in a parking ticket.
Restroom facilities are located close to the parking area, but may be unavailable at times depending on maintenance and security issues. Informational signage, including instructions for online purchase of Lands Passes, has been placed along the entry foot trail leading from the parking area. Other than the exceptions mentioned here, this property has not been improved by CDFW. Visitors should plan ahead before visiting and should be prepared to pack out their own trash.
There are extensive dirt foot trails crossing this property. These trails are not maintained by CDFW, are not accessible to the mobility-impaired, and are largely unsheltered from the sun. Sturdy close-toe footwear, hats, sunscreen and water bottles are advised when visiting the site. Trail conditions can vary with seasonal weather and some may cross onto private property.
Visitors will likely see cattle grazing on the Reserve and on nearby private property. Cattle grazing is used as a management tool to reduce thatch and non-native grass species, which benefits native plants. For safety, visitors must not approach the cattle closer than 300 feet.
Accessibility
This property has not been extensively improved by CDFW and does not offer accessibility enhancements.
Connectivity
There is very limited cellular phone service available on this property. There is no Wi-Fi service available.
Learn more about North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve and its history, wildlife, plants and habitat.
History
Beginning in 1848, extensive mining activity took place immediately to the north, east, and south sides of North Table Mountain, although livestock grazing has been the major historical land use on the property. Today, cattle grazing on the Reserve is used as a management tool to reduce thatch and non-native grass species to benefit native plants and contributes to spectacular wildflower blooms.
In 1988, California voters approved Proposition 70, a ballot initiative that designated funds specifically for the acquisition of Significant Natural Areas. Using funding from Proposition 70, the North Table Mountain property was acquired by the California Department of Fish and Game (now the California Department of Fish and Wildlife) in 1993 to preserve the Northern Basalt Flow Vernal Pools habitat type and sensitive native species.
Additional land at North Table Mountain was acquired in 1997 to enable direct public access from the gravel parking lot on Cherokee Road to the existing public lands around the mountain. The property was designated as an Ecological Reserve by the Fish and Game Commission in 2003.
Learning About the Land
Northern Basalt Flow Vernal Pools
Basalt rock is formed from ancient lava flows. Typically, fissures in the basalt soak up winter rains, forming seasonal streams and waterfalls. In a few places, however, the underlying basalt is impermeable to water, forming a temporary pool, soon to dry up after rains end. Only specialized plants and animals adapted to this habitat can survive over time. Northern Basalt Flow Vernal Pools are rare, fragile habitats that, like North Table Mountain's wildflowers, flourish then disappear with the passing of the seasons.
Notice: Visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all regulations pertaining to the use of CDFW-managed lands.
Please refer to the Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use Regulations (PDF) booklet for both statewide and property-specific regulations.
Hunting
The following game may be seasonally pursued at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve:
See below for more information on species-specific hunting opportunities.
Hunting Rules and Requirements:
- Deer hunting requires a G-12 deer hunting tagdeer hunting tag (opens in new tab).
- Quail hunting is only available on designated hunt days.
- Turkey hunting is only available on designated hunt days.
- For all species, hunting is always closed on Christmas Day.
Fishing
There is no fishing permitted at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve.
Rules and Visitor Use
Be aware of the following rules while visiting North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve:
- No horses allowed
- Dogs must be on a leash (10-foot maximum) and under owner's control at all times
- No bicycles or E-bikes allowed
- No motorized vehicles allowed, except on designated access roads and parking areas
- No drones allowed without a Special Use Permit (PDF)
- No camping allowed
- Fires any kind, including fireworks or other explosive or incendiary devices, are prohibited
- No collecting allowed, except as provided in CCR Title 14, §650
- Removal of mineral, archaeological, or natural resources in any form is prohibited except as provided in CCR Title 14, §650
- Removal or disturbance of any form of plant or animal life is prohibited except as provided in CCR Title 14, §650
- Any refuse resulting from a person's use of an area must be removed from the area by that person
In addition to the above, visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all Rules and Regulations in effect at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve.