Surrounded by sprawling national forests, state parks, and other nature reserves, the city of Porterville, CA, is a fantastic base to go on offroad adventures and check out the best birdwatching destinations in the San Joaquin Valley. Whether you are planning a trip with your family or a group of friends, here are three fantastic destinations you should check out.
1. Blue Ridge National Wildlife Refuge
Located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, Blue Ridge National Wildlife Refuge was established in the early 1980s and spans an area of almost 900 acres in Tulare County. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this place is one of the four units of the Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex for California condors, which is home to one of the largest populations of this bird species in the country.
Getting from the Porterville city center to Blue Ridge National Wildlife Refuge takes a little over one hour by car via route CA-190 and Balch Park Road. Although birding is the most popular activity in this sprawling nature reserve, this place is also an excellent destination for hiking and wildlife photography.
2. Sequoia National Forest
Covering an area of over one million acres, Sequoia National Forest is one of the largest and most beautiful nature reserves in the region, as well as a top-rated weekend destination among Porterville locals. Established in 1908 and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this public recreation area is home to a wide variety of bird species including common yellowthroats, yellow warblers, brown creepers, Hammond’s flycatchers, and MacGillivray’s warblers.
One of the most popular entrances to Sequoia National Forest is located near the small town of Ponderosa, which sits a little over 40 miles east of downtown Porterville and can be reached in about one hour and 15 minutes by car via route CA-190. Other popular activities among visitors to this nature reserve include rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. Cabins and family campgrounds are available for those wanting to stay overnight.
3. Edison Point Wildlife Area
Located a little over 80 miles north of the Porterville city center, Edison Point Wildlife Area is another fantastic birding destination that can be reached in about one hour and 45 minutes via route CA-99. Some of the bird species you can find here include mourning doves, red-tailed hawks, common ravens, ash-throated flycatchers, and American crows. This public recreation area is open year-round between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm.
Before you hit the road and explore these wonderful destinations with your family, visit us at Merle Stone Chevrolet! Check out our latest models, learn about our flexible financing plans, and take home your favorite car.
Connect with us
