The famous October 2003 San Diego wildfires were a disaster residents will never forget. The fires were so massive that satellites clearly captured the disaster from space.
Among the millions of dollars in property damage was also all the damage done to our wilderness and wildlife. One of the casualities was the 400 acre Oak Oasis Preserve that was 95% burned over during the fires.
It had to be closed for several years to allow it to recover, but nature has made a wonderful comeback. The preserve is once again open. Few people use the 2.5 mile loop trail that runs through the park, and should you go you'll probably have it all to yourself.
The park contains several types of huge oak trees, manzanita, chamise, scrub oak, mimulus, and ceanothus plants, as well as countless birds and rabbits who seem a little surprised that a human would come out their way. It is mountain lion country, too. And of course prime snake country.
If you go, bring water. We recommend you hike early in the morning, especially in the summer months. It will be much cooler, and more animals are out.
We made a little photographic essay of the trail, in case you have an interest in going. Oak Oasis is just a few miles up Wildcat Canyon road from Lakeside. We hope you enjoy the pictures.
A Photographic Tour of Oak Oasis
