Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge | Admin Building And Visitor Contact Station

Pauline Levu _{on Google}

Mar 26th, 2024

Clean and peaceful concrete path for walking. There is dirt trails but it was closing at the time I was there. Hopefully I will see Herons somedays.

EvilSandwitch Price _{on Google}

Apr 2nd, 2024

A perfect picture of natural delta wetland beauty. When I come here I can't help but imagine how the whole central valley must've looked before urban and suburban development, the grasses and marshes that once dominated the whole landscape and the animals hustling through it.
I've enjoyed making multiple visits over the spring to watch as the fields and tulle transform from green and verdant to luscious flower beds, California poppy and wildflowers whose names I don't know, the trees open up and the birds dance across the ponds and pathways and between the branches above.
Even now I'm getting emotional writing this, thinking about how grateful I am something like this exists so close to me and so close to so many others, and I am happy to have gotten the chance to see it. Not many amenities, no flush toilets or running water, no visitor center and no shade but still well worth the visit.
Playground: In development play area on the south of the walking trails. Currently nothing more than some trees and benches
Restrooms: Non flush, no running water or hand washing station

Lillian _{on Google}

Feb 14th, 2024

The refuge was established in 1992 by the U.S. federal government as a flood detention basin. It also serves as a habitat for local and migratory wildlife with a natural lake and wetland. The entire National Wildlife Refuge is close to 6000 acres. But the area open to the public is a much smaller with ADA walking trails (some concrete paved and others are packed gravel). Roughly two miles of trails. So its not actually a place for a hike, more so to relax and soak in nature. The paths have information boards along the way. I do luv an information board. Pretty neat to learn more about the history, land, vegetation, and wildlife.
Talking about wildlife, on my last visit, a skunk crossed my path. I lucked out and it scurried away. Danger averted! Plus talking about lucky... I was fortunate enough to see a variety of birds, a rabbit, plus an outrageous large flock of loud chatty migratory geese flying above. That was unexpected. It was a spectacular sight. Also on the topic of animals, dogs are not allowed. Probably a good thing since they might want to venture off the path into the tulle. Besides critters that live in there, there are ticks.
Another thing to note is that there is no shade out there. So I don't go there in hot weather months. However, the refuge is open daily, year round. Access is totally free. There are no fees. Luv that.
Amenities: The restroom has a non flush toilet and no wash basins. Actually there are no water faucets on site. So youll probably want to bring your own hand sanitizer and drinking water.