Nature Park in Lake Forest is in the most unlikely spot: in the middle of industrial park. Many of you families in South County will know where it is — because it’s less than a block away from Pump It Up on Dimension. A little pocket of nature right in the middle of everything.
Directions to Nature Park in Lake Forest: Exit Interstate 405 at Lake Forest Drive and take it all the way to a left on Dimension Drive. Stay on Dimension. You will pass Pump It Up on your left and then prepare to park on the right side of the road after you cross the bridge. You will see the Nature Park sign. If you hit CommerceCentre Drive then you went too far. (Address: 26215 Dimension Drive, Lake Forest) MAP TO NATURE PARK IN LAKE FOREST
Highlights:
- Features nature with oak trees and other native plants
- Hooks up to the Serrano Creek Trail which connects uphill to Whiting Ranch and downhill to Serrano Creek Park
- It was nice and quiet on the weekend
- Bird watching and wildlife spotting
- Kids can find a “sit spot” to watch the birds and see if they can spot bunnies
- Awesome spot for picnics with a covered gazebo near oak trees
- Interpretive elements printed on the concrete
- Take the short nature trail towards the back of the park. Kids should stay on trail.
- There are interpretive signs on the nature trail to help you identify plants. We definitely saw evidence of snacking on the prickly pear.
Be Aware:
- NO playground
- Parking on Dimension was fine on the weekend, but could be dicey during the week
- Could feel isolated if you go alone
- Watch for wildlife on the nature trail. There is poison oak (see photo below) and prickly pear off the trail. So if you stay on the wide trail you are good.
- NO restrooms
- If you ride or walk on the trail, watch for fast riders coming down the hill behind you
Checklist:
- Parking on a busy street
- NO playground, just picnic tables and a nice natural area to explore
- NO restrooms
- Download a PDF of Orange County Bikeways from OCTA
- City of Lake Forest website
- Nearest public library branch: Foothill Ranch Public Library
Nearby parks:
Serrano Creek Park – Lake Forest | Best Southern California Parks. A Southern California family resource to find the best parks, playgrounds and places to play. From Inland Empire, to Orange County, to Los Angeles
Friday 11th of November 2011
[...] We’ve visited Serrano Creek Park many times before and to be frank, I don’t think I’ve ever been here on a weekend where there wasn’t a birthday party being celebrated. This park has some really wonderful shade from the eucalyptus grove, and the nice mature trees that surround it so it’s no wonder this is a great party park. Want to see another perspective on this park? Visit one of our favorite park bloggers, Michele @ FunOrangeCountyParks.com and see her review of Serrano Creek Park [...]
Best Southern California Parks. Find the best parks, playgrounds and places to play in Orange County, Inland Empire and Los Angeles – Serrano Creek Park – Lake Forest
Thursday 3rd of November 2011
[...] We’ve visited Serrano Creek Park many times before and to be frank, I don’t think I’ve ever been here on a weekend where there wasn’t a birthday party being celebrated. This park has some really wonderful shade from the eucalyptus grove, and the nice mature trees that surround it so it’s no wonder this is a great party park. Want to see another perspective on this park? Visit one of our favorite park bloggers, Michele @ FunOrangeCountyParks.com and see her review of Serrano Creek Park [...]
Sharlene
Thursday 6th of October 2011
I love this park because instead of plopping down another industrial building, they created some green space. We have visited during the week without parking issues. They also have fun musical events here during the summer.