Arriving at the Park
Below are some helpful planning and safety tips to be aware of when preparing for your trip.
- The gates open at 9 am and close at 5 pm.
- The only restrooms with running water are located at the end of the Museum parking lot. There are several portable toilets throughout the park.
- Groups are welcome to enjoy lunch after their tour at picnic tables located throughout the park. The group picnic area on the knoll next to the Beauty Ranch parking lot is available when not reserved by a private group. Other individual picnic tables are located within the Museum parking lot.
- The park is generally very safe. However, visitors should be aware that there are three potential risks in the park:
- Rattlesnakes can be found throughout the park. They are a vital and important predator that serves to keep the natural balance of this ecosystem in-check. Please take the opportunity to help students understand their key role if you should encounter one. ALL wildlife should be left undisturbed and given a wide berth. Although snakes may be seen crossing or sunning on trails, they will generally be found in grassy areas, on rocks, or near rock walls. THEY SHOULD NOT BE DISTURBED or harassed (screaming and jumping around will only frighten and agitate them). If a snake is found in an area where students are having a picnic, calmly and quietly re-locate the group and notify a park staff member who will safely remove the snake.
- Poison oak can be prevalent near the trails. All parts of the plant, including dropped leaves and stems, contain an oil that can cause a severe rash and should not be touched, even if dead or dried.
- Ticks can be found in grassy/brushy areas throughout California. Some ticks can carry the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease. If you find a tick on you or a student, simply take it off. If a tick has become embedded within the skin, you can try to remove it whole and intact. Anyone who has had to remove a tick should visit their doctor shortly after to ensure they have not been infected (take the tick with them). Be prepared by visiting the CDC’s website for clear instructions on safe tick removal ahead of time.
http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html
Most safety issues can be avoided by ensuring that visitors remain on marked trails.
Park Rules and Regulations
In order to ensure a comfortable and positive experience for all of our visitors, we ask that you and your groups adhere to the following guidelines throughout your visit:
PROTECTING THE WILDLIFE—All of the trails and historical features are located on California State Park Property. There are strict guidelines in place to protect the park for future generations to come.
- Natural scenery, plants and animal life are the principal attractions of most state parks. They are integral parts of the ecosystem and natural community. As such they are protected by Federal, State and Park laws. Disturbance or destruction of these resources is strictly forbidden. Do not remove or damage any plant or animal life on site. Always stay on designated trails.
- Dead and down wood is part of the natural condition of the woods. Decayed vegetation forms humus and assists the growth of trees and other plants. For this reason, the gathering of down wood is prohibited.
- Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the park.
PROTECTING THE ARTIFACTS—All of the structures and most of the artifacts at the Park are authentic.
- Some of the buildings and ruins date back to the 1800s. Do not climb on, compromise, or disrupt any of the stone structures or other historical buildings. Please stay behind safety barriers at all times.
- Artifacts and memorabilia inside the House of Happy Walls Museum and the Londons’ Cottage are either original artifacts or museum-quality reproductions. The natural oils in our hands can cause damage to these fragile items over time. Please do not touch any of the items and artifacts on display.
- Absolutely no food or drink inside the Museum or Londons’ Cottage.
- Photographs are welcome everywhere in the park but DO NOT use flash photography within the House of Happy Walls or inside Londons’ Cottage. This can damage delicate textiles and other items.
GROUP MANAGEMENT AND VISITOR EXPERIENCE—With visitors from all over the world, the trails at Jack London State Historic Park are shared by many different user groups each day. We want all of our visitors to leave with positive memories of their time here.
- Maintaining orderly student conduct in school groups is the responsibility of the adults accompanying the group. We ask that students be attentive and respectful of other park visitors.
- Using designated eating areas for lunch and snacks is very important in protecting habitat and wildlife. DO NOT feed wildlife or leave food behind. Please also ensure that everyone in your group cleans up all trash (don’t forget small items which can be mistaken for food by many animals!). Trash and recycling receptacles are provided in parking lots and picnic areas.