Annadel State Park contains 5,000 acres of natural California in guises ranging from scrub-covered ridges and steep-sided canyons to woodlands of oak and fir separated by grassy meadows, carpeted in springtime by colorful wildflowers.

While 35 miles of hiking trails strike deep into the park, a walk from the car park to the shores of Lake llsanjo will reveal some prime picnic sites. Birdwatchers should aim for Ledson Marsh, an ideal vantage point for observing some of the 130 species – from pileated woodpeckers to great blue herons – which have been sighted in the park.