MBNMS: Waddell Beach and Rancho del Oso

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	Waddell Beach and Rancho del Oso

Waddell Beach, named after William Waddell who built a sawmill next to the creek in the 1860's, is now a part of Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The scenic Skyline-to-the-Sea trail begins at Castle Rock State Park, runs through Big Basin and ends at Waddell Creek Beach. A good place for bird watching is on the inland side of Hwy. 1 in the Theodore J. Hoover Natural Preserve. The Rancho del Oso's nature and history center has exhibits, an extensive library, and offers weekend nature walks.

Waddell Beach as seen from the parking lot looking west.

The beach is a renown for its windsurfing and hang gliding. With the strong winds and occasionally heavy surf, Waddell Beach is usually not recommended for novice wind surfers.

Facilities include restrooms and a parking lot. For more information about windsurfing try the Windsurfer's Paradise website. For more information about Big Basin State Park call (831) 338-6132 or try the Big Basin State Park website. For more information about Rancho del Oso call (831)-427-2288.

Directions:

Waddell Beach adjoins Hwy. 1 about 20 miles north of Santa Cruz.

[Waddell Beach map]

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