Mini Trail Guide #25: Hike along a hidden creek to hear the sound of water

A classic tiny hike from a playground through a eucalyptus grove

Late fall and winter are my favorite hiking seasons. Why? It’s cooler and less likelihood of rattlesnakes than spring. But we’re here now. So what do we do?

First, we remember that in my over 20 years of living, hiking, and walking around Orange County, I’ve only had a close encounter with a rattlesnake once. And it wasn’t even on the trail! It was in the parking lot of a nature center.

I can never guarantee that you won’t run into natural hazards on any of these tiny hikes I suggest. It’s always up to you to determine your safety and risk tolerance. However, I don’t want you to avoid hiking or be too fearful. I do think of families with young children when I write the trail guides and I’ll try to answer that “where do we hike in spring?” question each week by bringing you to trails where I personally would feel comfortable. Of course, your comfort zone will vary from mine — but I tend to be on the cautious side!

The main thing to remember is: “All snakes, venomous or not, are important members of the natural wildlife community and are vital to the balance of nature.” That quote is taken from an excellent resource put out by Mission Viejo Animal Services which can help you live (and hike) in harmony with this wildlife.

All that said, I have never seen signage or warnings about snakes along the trail I’m sharing today!