Outdoor Calendar

Note: Wildfire season is here. Fires of any kind are prohibited in wilderness areas. Please report any suspicious activity to park rangers. Sunscreen, sturdy shoes and water are wilderness essentials, along with any medications you require. Wilderness areas may be closed during periods of extreme fire danger. Call (949) 923-2235 or visit websites for current conditions.

CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK

Crystal Cove State Park, 8471 N. Coast Hwy, has 3.5 miles of beach and 2,000 acres of undeveloped woodland. $15 day-use parking fee.

The park is open 6 a.m. to sunset daily. Docent-led backcountry hikes are scheduled for 9 a.m. most Saturdays and Sundays. Hikes are three to five miles, and last about two hours.

Note: Hikes meet at one of these locations:

El Moro Visitor Center — from Coast Highway, turn inland at the School/State Park light and follow park signs.

Los Trancos — from Coast Highway, turn inland at Los Trancos. Meet near the trailer.

Pelican Point Lot No. 2 — From Coast Highway, turn coastward at Newport Coast.

For more information, call (949) 497-7647 or e-mail [email protected].

Backcountry Hike: 9 a.m. Saturday. Join a state park volunteer for a guided 3-5 mile backcountry hike. Meet at El Moro Visitor Center (turn inland on Coast Highway at stoplight School-State Park.) $15 day-use parking fee

Junior Rangers: 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Join a park ranger for a fun introduction of the ecology of Crystal Cove State Park in weekly Junior Ranger programs. This children’s nature allows visitors ages 7 to 12 to earn a badge. Meet at Pelican Point lot #4 (Newport Coast entrance, left at kiosk to the end.) $15 day-use parking fee

Family Surf Fishing Clinic: 6:30 a.m. today. Join angler Bill Varner to learn all about angling. Reservations required; e-mail [email protected]. Meet at Reef Point lot in the south lot and bring a rod and reel. $15 day-use fee. 18 and older need fishing license.

Tidepool Walk: 9 a.m. Saturday. Enjoy a guided tidepool walk at Pelican Point with an experienced volunteer. Meet at Pelican Point parking lot #2 (turn coastward at Newport Coast, right at the kiosk and left into the first lot.) $15 day-use parking fee.

Indian Camp: Jacque Nunez, descendant of the Acjachemen Nation, will return for the fourth year of Indian Camp. The camp is for children ages 5 to 11 and will be held the week of July 26 to 30. For information and registration see https://www.journeystothepast.com

LAGUNA COAST WILDERNESS PARK

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 20101 Laguna Canyon Road; reservations and information, (949) 923-2235; https://www.ocparks.com.

Rangers staff the park daily. Open daily, 7 a.m. to sunset, including holidays. Parking lot hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To learn more about volunteering or helping Laguna Canyon Foundation to preserve, protect and enhance the South Coast Wilderness, visit https://www.lagunacanyon.org or call (949) 497-8324.