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At the northern end of the Sacramento Valley, flanked by the Cascade Mountains on the east and the Coast Range on the west, William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park stands as a memorial to one of the leading participants in the Bear Flag Revolt. The park, nestled along the banks of the Sacramento River 100 miles north of Sacramento, is a symphony of wildlife sounds and gentle winds rustling through aged oaks. You can enjoy a picnic by the river, saunter through the historic homestead or attend an exciting living history event.
William B. Ide wrote the proclamation that established the short-lived California Bear Republic in 1846. It lasted 22 days. Ide recognized the opportunities available to him in the West and as a surveyor, miner, treasurer, district attorney, deputy clerk, and judge, provided support and leadership to this northern part of California. While the park memorializes Ide's role in early California history, recent research has shown he never owned the property.
Like William B. Ide, pioneer settlers at Adobe Ranch arrived in California envisioning opportunities. Facing hardships and challenges, they took advantage of the ranch's location on the river to transform the site. Contrary to the quiet, rural impression the park leaves today, the ranch's location near the California-Oregon Road and adjacent to the Sacramento River (important communication and transportation arteries) probably kept its residents well connected. During the Gold Rush and afterwards, a succession of pack-mule trains, travelers on foot, herds of cattle and sheep, freight wagons, stagecoaches and riverboats moved up and down the valley and along the river.
Depending upon the water's depth, steamboats would transport goods and passengers to the most northerly navigable point on the river. From there, they were off loaded. The property owners made the most of this location in the 1860s by establishing a ferry across the Sacramento River. Cross-country travelers depended upon ferries to make their river crossings safe and easy. Later bridges built in the area made them obsolete.
The park today reflects the hard work it took to maintain life away from California's urban centers in mid-19th century. Visitors touring the visitor center and ranch buildings will be able to learn about the special skills and work activities of California pioneers, comparing them to their own lives. Educational programs tied into school programs offer students hands-on learning experiences that emphasize the lifeways associated with the early settlers.
Getting There
The park is located approximately 30 miles south of Redding, in Red Bluff on Adobe Road, one-half mile from Interstate 5.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The park is located approximately 30 miles south of Redding, in Red Bluff on Adobe Road, one-half mile from Interstate 5.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Temperatures here range from the high 90s in the summer to low 40s in late fall and winter. Wearing layered clothing year round is recommended.
Temperatures here range from the high 90s in the summer to low 40s in late fall and winter. Wearing layered clothing year round is recommended.
Operating Hours & Contact
Please contact the park for operating hours.
Telephone: 530-529-8599
Please contact the park for operating hours.
Telephone: 530-529-8599
Activities
Enjoy a picnic overlooking the Sacramento River. The park features the old adobe home, carpenter's shop, blacksmith shop and a visitor center.
Come visit during Adobe Day, the 3rd Saturday in August, to enjoy the period music of the Ide Adobe Players and experience "hands-on" pioneer crafts and period activities at this historic ranch and ferry crossing.
Cheer the competition at the Ide's Ferry Champion Horseshoe Pitchers Contest on the Second Saturday in October. It represents a period-style 1850s contest, complete with authentic attire (provided). Only amateurs or backyarders may participate! The winner takes home a gold-filled pocket watch.
The Pioneer Christmas Party is celebrated the third Saturday in December and emphasizes early holiday traditions of the north valley.
Enjoy a picnic overlooking the Sacramento River. The park features the old adobe home, carpenter's shop, blacksmith shop and a visitor center.
Come visit during Adobe Day, the 3rd Saturday in August, to enjoy the period music of the Ide Adobe Players and experience "hands-on" pioneer crafts and period activities at this historic ranch and ferry crossing.
Cheer the competition at the Ide's Ferry Champion Horseshoe Pitchers Contest on the Second Saturday in October. It represents a period-style 1850s contest, complete with authentic attire (provided). Only amateurs or backyarders may participate! The winner takes home a gold-filled pocket watch.
The Pioneer Christmas Party is celebrated the third Saturday in December and emphasizes early holiday traditions of the north valley.
Tips & Rules
• DANGER: The Sacramento River can have strong undercurrents as well as unseen debris and submerged logs. Always be careful in and around the water.
• Dogs must be on a six-foot leash; they are allowed only in the picnic area.
• The park’s natural and cultural resources are protected by state law and may not be removed or altered.
• Firearms and hunting are prohibited in state parks.
• DANGER: The Sacramento River can have strong undercurrents as well as unseen debris and submerged logs. Always be careful in and around the water.
• Dogs must be on a six-foot leash; they are allowed only in the picnic area.
• The park’s natural and cultural resources are protected by state law and may not be removed or altered.
• Firearms and hunting are prohibited in state parks.
Natural Resources
Natural Resources
The riparian forest along the Sacramento River and the adjacent oak woodland provide perfect habitat for a variety of wildlife. Beavers and river otters busy themselves in the water while black-tailed deer keep to the shadows. Bird-watchers may spot nearly 200 bird species, both migratory and resident, including belted kingfishers, great blue herons, wild turkeys, ospreys, Nutall’s woodpeckers and Canada geese. Some fortunate observers may glimpse majestic bald eagles.
The river supports four runs of Chinook salmon, including the endangered winter run. More abundant species are the Pacific lamprey, steelhead, rainbow trout, minnows, sturgeon and various catfish.
The vegetation along the river is a ruggedly beautiful blend of valley oak, California sycamore, blue elderberry, California rose and coyote bush. Fremont cottonwoods, willows and box elders grace the riverbanks as well.
Natural Resources
The riparian forest along the Sacramento River and the adjacent oak woodland provide perfect habitat for a variety of wildlife. Beavers and river otters busy themselves in the water while black-tailed deer keep to the shadows. Bird-watchers may spot nearly 200 bird species, both migratory and resident, including belted kingfishers, great blue herons, wild turkeys, ospreys, Nutall’s woodpeckers and Canada geese. Some fortunate observers may glimpse majestic bald eagles.
The river supports four runs of Chinook salmon, including the endangered winter run. More abundant species are the Pacific lamprey, steelhead, rainbow trout, minnows, sturgeon and various catfish.
The vegetation along the river is a ruggedly beautiful blend of valley oak, California sycamore, blue elderberry, California rose and coyote bush. Fremont cottonwoods, willows and box elders grace the riverbanks as well.
Accessible Features
Picnic Area: An accessible picnic table on a firm pad faces a grassy, shaded lawn along the parking area. Accessible parking and restroom are nearby.
Trails: The Ide Adobe Knoll Trail is near the Sacramento River and is accessible for 0.03 mile.
Exhibits/Programs: The Adobe and various surrounding exhibit structures are spread over gently rolling terrain. In the dry season, dirt paths between them are usable. A ramp at the rear of the Adobe provides access to the inside.
Be the first to add a trip in this destination!Picnic Area: An accessible picnic table on a firm pad faces a grassy, shaded lawn along the parking area. Accessible parking and restroom are nearby.
Trails: The Ide Adobe Knoll Trail is near the Sacramento River and is accessible for 0.03 mile.
Exhibits/Programs: The Adobe and various surrounding exhibit structures are spread over gently rolling terrain. In the dry season, dirt paths between them are usable. A ramp at the rear of the Adobe provides access to the inside.
Nearby Community Trips
