William B Ide Adobe State Historic Park

I’ve lived up the hill from this park for 15 years. We’ve seen a lot of changes over the year.
We don’t have much in Tehama County but this is a park to be proud of.
It’s a wonderful place for a small wedding, reunions, pictures, chatting with family and friends. Plenty of parking with numerous HC spots. There’s also a large overflow park next store. Also, there is WiFi in the park.
They just started a «fee for use» a few years back. Based on the honor system.
There are park rangers in the station within the park, M-​F. In the station is all types of historic pictures, historic artifacts as well as very knowledgable staff!
This is a small park compared to most State Parks. Still, what a great place to spend a hot summer day! Plenty of shade to be found. A lot of picnic tables and places to
Put chairs and kids. Clean public bathrooms, water fountains.
Local rafters use this park as an exit point while coming down the river. Do beware of Rattlesnakes when down near the river.
We have many here and they apparently like the cool of the river.
A perfect stop for anyone traveling I-​5.
A nice place to stop and stretch your legs, eat a meal or use the bathroom.
Can’t go wrong here!!!

Save California State Parks. I made a visit to this very historic Adobe House a few days before it was slated for closure. I think it is crazy that the State of California would shut down historic states so connected with the State’s History. It is really a shame. Many folks are fighting to keep it open. I really hope they succeed. It is really a pretty site and has an Oak tree that is over 250 years old on it that houses the rare large California woodpecker. There are many other birds here too. They have a nice visitor center with a lot of historic information and they host school children to learn about history. There is a very friendly volunteer manning the visitor center who enjoys sharing the history of the place. I think I remember his name as Richard Reel. Keeping my fingers crossed that something saves this place as it is unique and an important window into California’s past.

It only takes 90k of state funds to keep this gem running. Yet it’s closing this year. Check it out while you can.

Why 5 Stars? Well, if you like encountering picturesque stops along the way that don’t require a lot of investment of time in getting there, or much cost once you’re there, you’ll be glad to know about this little State Historic Park. Red Bluff itself is worth at least a brief stop and is an excellent jumping-​off port for Lassen National Park. The Sacramento River flows right by the little park and you could do some fishing here. They probably discourage swimming here as the river is a bit deep and cold here with a strong current. But it keeps the air nice and cool.
The William B Ide Adobe commemorates the President of the Bear Flag Republic. He presided all of three weeks. Thus it might inspire mixed feelings among those of us who sometimes feel that California’s gotten a little crowded since 1847 or so. This shady Park preserves mementos of life wa-​a-​a-​a-​y before television.