Willow Staging Area

Alan Kaufmann

Access to some of the best hiking and biking trails in the county. Parking is $3. Make sure you lock your car and don't leave any valuables in it. There has been a rash of thefts recently. There are porta potties available in the parking lot and drinking water available from a spigot about 50 yards up the main trail from the parking lot. Dogs are not allowed in this park. Be nice and pack out your trash.

Linda Caruthers

Willow Staging Area was busy on the Saturday morning I was there but it was easy to find. There is a $3 parking fee that can be paid by cash or card at a machine there which is good until 5 pm.

Shanelle S

Nature area with a ton of hiking/biking trails. There are various trails for different fitness levels, and the maps indicate the level of difficulty. We took the Willow trail to the Bommer trail to Laurel Ridge trail for a large loop that was approximately 5.7 miles. The trails do have steep climbs at certain parts, but are moderate for the most part. The trails are mostly exposed with very little shade. The paths are wide enough for groups to exercise together, and I did note quite a few families with small children. You can see the ocean off in the distance and the breeze can be quite pleasant. The ground is very compact, although note that the Laurel Ridge trail coming down can be a bit technical. Parking lots are available but they fill up quickly; it’s likely that you’ll need to wait for someone to leave or to try a different lot if you arrive past 9am on a weekend. Otherwise, you can park across the street on the highway, but he sure to read the posted signs. Credit cards are accepted at the pay station ($3 for parking). Porta-potties are available with foot pump sinks. Overall, this place provides lots of opportunities to explore nature and get some fresh air.

Brandon Beauvais

This trail is awesome! You gain a lot of elevation in the beginning so be prepared for some serious cardio. There's a lot of elevation change with the rolling hills that span the entirety of the hike. There is a bunch to see and overall it's an amazing hike especially during May when it hasn't been too hot and the costal breeze is so refreshing. I traveled the entire 7.6 miles and man is it one hell of a work out especially with 26lbs on your back. The views of the hike are pretty impressive and at times you forget you are smack dab in the middle of the OC. There's a good amount of scenery to look at and the costal overview is awesome! Note! Just make sure you get your car out of the paid lot by 5pm otherwise you will get closed in and may get cited! It happened to me as I came short on time but luckily the parks were gracious enough to give me a warning.