Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is a Santa Barbara County Park located in the Santa Ynez Valley.

You’ve probably heard the tropical, loud, and musical calls of this bird species in parking lots, fast-food drive-thrus,...
08/23/2026

You’ve probably heard the tropical, loud, and musical calls of this bird species in parking lots, fast-food drive-thrus, and suburban lawns. Originally from Central and South America, the Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) is bold, highly adaptable, and every bit as clever as a crow. Perched on a railing at Hook’d Bar and Grill at the marina, a hungry fledgling waits next to its mom on the right, both keeping a sharp eye out for some delicious leftovers. The dad who is nearby, has much darker silky-black feathers.

California black bear (Ursus americanus californiensis)
08/10/2026

California black bear (Ursus americanus californiensis)

It’s good to know who is in the neighborhood! While out on a recent survey, Cachuma Lake Ranger Loster discovered fresh ...
08/10/2026

It’s good to know who is in the neighborhood! While out on a recent survey, Cachuma Lake Ranger Loster discovered fresh black bear tracks. Did you know that they are the state’s only surviving native bear species? Fascinating Facts: Despite their name, over half have cinnamon-brown or blonde fur rather than black; they can run up to 35 miles per hour and climb trees with ease; they do not truly hibernate but enter a deep sleep through winter; and around 90% of their diet is plant-based, consisting of berries, nuts, and acorns.

Did you know that Cachuma Lake has a resident pair of adult bald eagles that nest in the area? They were recently spotte...
08/06/2026

Did you know that Cachuma Lake has a resident pair of adult bald eagles that nest in the area? They were recently spotted together with two new fledglings.This photo captures one of the young eagles that may be hard to spot at first thanks to its dark, mottled plumage designed to keep it camouflaged. When it reaches five years old it will have its iconic white head and tail like its parents.

Beautiful evening sky at Cachuma Lake. Photo was taken last night from Mohawk Shores Campground by Cachuma Ranger Gus Va...
08/03/2026

Beautiful evening sky at Cachuma Lake. Photo was taken last night from Mohawk Shores Campground by Cachuma Ranger Gus Vasquez.

Join Astronomers Chuck and Pat McPartland at Cachuma Lake’s Fireside Theater this summer! They come to us from the Santa...
08/01/2026

Join Astronomers Chuck and Pat McPartland at Cachuma Lake’s Fireside Theater this summer! They come to us from the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s Astronomical Unit. Enjoy an engaging slideshow presentation followed by a live look through high-powered telescopes. In this photo, Pat is holding a rare piece of space history: a fragment from the Campo del Cielo asteroid belt that fell to Earth about 5,000 years ago. This metallic space rock is over 4.5 billion years old—older than our own planet! For Fireside Theater program dates and times click the link in our Cachuma Lake bio (or visit countyofsb.org/programs-activities web page).

Dreaming of waking up by the lake, surrounded by beautiful oak trees? We’re hiring Camp Hosts at Cachuma Lake! In exchan...
07/24/2026

Dreaming of waking up by the lake, surrounded by beautiful oak trees? We’re hiring Camp Hosts at Cachuma Lake! In exchange for 20 hours per week, you’ll receive a full hook-up RV site with water, electricity, and sewer included. Requirements: Must have your own RV, camper, or travel trailer and pass a background check. Interested? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at: [email protected] for more information.

Earn a cool Junior Ranger badge! Acorn Woodpecker ages 3-6, Great Blue Heron ages 7-9, Mountain Lion ages 10-11, and Bal...
07/18/2026

Earn a cool Junior Ranger badge! Acorn Woodpecker ages 3-6, Great Blue Heron ages 7-9, Mountain Lion ages 10-11, and Bald Eagle ages 12 and up! Did you know that all of these animals live in the area around Cachuma Lake?

Congratulations to Jude who earned a Junior Ranger badge after completing the Acorn Woodpecker field activity booklet! T...
07/18/2026

Congratulations to Jude who earned a Junior Ranger badge after completing the Acorn Woodpecker field activity booklet! There are four different booklets, each with their own badge. To learn about this educational and fun program and other Naturalist Programs, click the link in our Cachuma Lake bio (or visit countyofsb.org/programs-activities web page). You can also call the Naturalist office at 805-568-2460, email [email protected], or stop by the Naturalist office when you visit Cachuma Lake. The cost is $3.00 per booklet.

Did you know that Western Grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis) build floating nests? They weave them from aquatic vegetati...
07/17/2026

Did you know that Western Grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis) build floating nests? They weave them from aquatic vegetation and anchor them to reeds. Both parents share nesting duties, incubating 2 to 4 eggs. Once hatched, the chicks immediately climb onto their parents’ backs for a ride that lasts several weeks. Boater Advisory: Please lookout for these families. Slow down and give wide berth to any vegetation growing above the waterline to avoid disturbing their nests. Photo: M. Holmgren

Address

1 Lakeview Drive
Santa Barbara, CA
93105

Telephone

(805) 686-5055

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