FAQ

The reserve is approximately 1,400 acres, representing one of the largest remaining salt water marshes in California. The parking lots are located at 3842 Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 and 18000 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 (across from the entrance to Bolsa Chica State Beach). Parking in both reserve parking lots is free.

The trails are open from sunrise to sunset every day, and the Interpretive Center is open from 9am-4pm 7 days a week.

There are about five miles of trails that you can walk at Bolsa Chica. Click here for a trail map.

Dogs are not allowed on the reserve except for inside of a vehicle in the parking lots. Registered service dogs are allowed.

Bicycles are not allowed on the trails of the reserve.

Fishing is permitted only in the designated area located to the right of the walk bridge connected to the Warner Avenue parking lot. Fishing permits are required for any fishers 16 years or older.

No, all watercrafts are prohibited in the wetlands unless permitted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Yes, but, due to time and erosion, some of the trails are uneven, which may cause an unpleasant experience for some strollers and wheelchairs.

Yes, Bolsa Chica is home to Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes, which are venomous. Click here for more information and the Do’s and Don’ts when walking in rattlesnake territory.

We offer a free Public Tour on the second Saturday of each month from 10am-12pm and meet at the Interpretive Center (3842 Warner Ave, HB). We also offer private tours for classes, scouts, recreational organizations, families, and other private groups. For more information about on site tours and guided hikes, please contact Whitney Thompson at whitney@bolsahchica.org or by phone at (714)846-1114.

We offer several volunteer opportunities at the Conservancy, including hosting at our Interpretive Center, leading tours, helping with habitat restoration, and assisting with outreach. Click here for more information on volunteer opportunities.

You can get school or Scout-required community service hours during our Public Service days on the second Sunday and last Saturday of every month from 9am-12pm. Click here to register for our public service days. Remember to bring water and sun protection and wear closed-toed shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty! For court-ordered community service, please call the Interpretive Center at (714)846-1114.

The Wetland and Wildlife Care Center located at 21900 Pacific Coast Hwy, HB can accept certain injured or abandoned animals that are dropped off; they can be reached at 714-374-5587. For all other inquires, call OC Animal Control at 714-935-6848.

Call the California Department of Fish and Wildlife CalTip hotline at 888-334-2258 and include a description of violator, nature of violation, location, vehicle license plate number, etc..

The flags designate newly-planted vegetation established in that area by one of the other NGO’s that operates on the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.