Courtesy of California Native Plant Society
Park Hours
Summer Hours: April 1st - September 30th from 7 AM to 10 PM
Winter Hours: October 1st - March 31st from 7 AM to 7 PM
China Creek Park is 120 acres of Valley Oak woodlands and savanna located in the Kings River floodplain near Centerville off of Highway 180. This is an undeveloped Fresno County Park that resembles the local area before settlement in the mid to late 1800's. Among its many features are huge Valley Oak trees, some estimated to be over 200 years old, elderberry, rushes, lizard tail and many other wildflowers and native plants. The creek is a historic tributary of the Kings River that is now used as an irrigation channel with native vegetation.
While free and open to the public, there are no amenities: restrooms, picnic tables, barbeques or campfire rings, shelters, or trash receptacles. This location observes Pack It In, Pack It Out for waste and litter. In addition, we encourage visitors to practice Leave No Trace seven principles.
There are two ponds that are open to fishing, a 2-mile marked and signed nature trail, a bird preserve, and an information kiosk with trail guide and map(PDF, 390KB). You may notice cattle sometimes grazing in the park however they are fenced away from the ponds and trails. Please read Safety Tips for Hiking Near Grazing Animals which is provided by the East Bay Regional Park District if you plan to visit China Creek Park.
The park is cared and maintained only by volunteers, under the direction of the California Native Plant Society, Sequoia Chapter , which has worked on a restoration and education project for China Creek Park since 2003. Volunteer activities include removal of non-native invasive species, protection of Valley Oak seedlings, trail maintenance, trail guide and map(PDF, 390KB), etc. If you would like to join the monthly work parties, or have any questions, please email Warren Shaw or see our China Creek page at http://www.cnps-sequoia.org/china-creek-project.
Rules, Regulations and Permits
General Information on parks rules, regulations, and permits.
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Location
Directions
China Creek Park is located on the west side of Centerville, 16 miles east of Fresno on Highway 180. Drive east on Freeway 180 16.5 miles to Centerville. Turn right on Smith Road and drive 0.2 miles to Rainbow Route. Cross Rainbow Route and drive down the small road 0.5 miles to the gate at the end of the road.
History
China Creek Park was purchased in 1974.
Mailing Address:
County of Fresno
Resources Division
2220 Tulare Street, 6th Floor, Fresno, CA 93721
Tel: (559) 600-3004
FAX: (559) 600-4552
parks@fresnocountyca.gov