William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park

Phone Number

(530) 529-8599

Park Hours

Park grounds are open sunrise to sunset.
Visitor Center (VC) open Friday-Sunday, 10am-4pm
Homestead buildings can be accessed on guided tours during VC operating hours.

Dogs Allowed?

Yes
Dogs allowed on a leash in picnic area and parking lots.

Driving Directions to William B. Ide Adobe SHP

The park is located in Red Bluff, a small town approximately 25 miles south of Redding. From Interstate 5, exit at Adobe Road. Turn east on Adobe Road, and travel one mile. The park will be on the right at 21659 Adobe Road.

Online reservations are not available for this park.

Upcoming Park Events

No events scheduled at this moment.

DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Interpretive Exhibits
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Museums
Family Programs
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available

Photography

Photography is permitted at William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park and the surrounding park for personal use. Tripods and standing flash are not permitted.

Commercial photography is not allowed anywhere on park grounds without a permit. Permits can be obtained through the California Film Commission. Visit film.ca.gov for more information.
There is no camping or lodging available at this park.

Park Host Position Available
Park Host FlyerWilliam B. Ide Adobe SHP has an opportunity for you to volunteer while enjoying the park and meeting new people. Located on the Sacramento River, this is a 4-acre day-use park with a picnic area and a historic 1850s homestead.

Duties Include:
  • 30 hrs/week
  • Updating staff on park visitation and maintenance needs
  • Providing support for interpretive activities, including the Heritage & Native Gardens
  • Providing support at special events
  • Providing basic information to visitors and helping operate the Visitor Center
  • Providing basic park security and maintaining restrooms

Benefits Include:
  • Free full hook-up site for trailer/ RV up to 24' long
  • Private fenced-in RV spot
  • Free use of washer and dryer
  • California State Parks pass earned after 200 hours worked
  • Park closes to the public at sunset (no public on-site camping)
  • Relaxing riverside atmosphere

For more questions or to apply please call or email: Heather Lee, State Park Interpreter,
(530) 529-8599 heather.lee@parks.ca.gov

Line of StagesWilliam B. Ide wrote the proclamation that established the short-lived California Bear Republic in 1846. It lasted 22 days. Ide recognized the opportunities available to him in the West and as a surveyor, miner, treasurer, district attorney, deputy clerk, and judge, provided support and leadership to this northern part of California. While the park memorializes Ide's role in early California history, recent research has shown he never owned the property.

Docents in costumeLike William B. Ide, pioneer settlers at Adobe Ranch arrived in California envisioning opportunities. Facing hardships and challenges, they took advantage of the ranch's location on the river to transform the site. Contrary to the quiet, rural impression the park leaves today, the ranch's location near the California-Oregon Road and adjacent to the Sacramento River (important communication and transportation arteries) probably kept its residents well connected. During the Gold Rush and afterwards, a succession of pack-mule trains, travelers on foot, herds of cattle and sheep, freight wagons, stagecoaches and riverboats moved up and down the valley and along the river.

IvyWoodpeckers in a tree

 

Depending upon the water's depth, steamboats would transport goods and passengers to the most northerly navigable point on the river. From there, they were off loaded. The property owners made the most of this location in the 1860s by establishing a ferry across the Sacramento River. Cross-country travelers depended upon ferries to make their river crossings safe and easy. Later bridges built in the area made them obsolete.

Docents in costumeThe park today reflects the hard work it took to maintain life away from California's urban centers in mid-19th century. Visitors touring the visitor center and ranch buildings will be able to learn about the special skills and work activities of California pioneers, comparing them to their own lives. Educational programs tied into school programs offer students hands-on learning experiences that emphasize the lifeways associated with the early settlers.

Facilities
Enjoy a picnic overlooking the Sacramento River. The park features the old adobe home, blacksmith shop and a visitor center. Girl tugging on rope

Location-Directions
The park is located south of Redding, in Red Bluff on Adobe Road, one-half mile from Interstate 5.

Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Summer and spring are warm; fall and winter can be cool. Layered clothing is advised.

Special Events
Come visit during Adobe Day, to enjoy the period music of the Ide Adobe Players and experience "hands-on" pioneer crafts and period activities at this historic ranch and ferry crossing.

Cheer the competition at the Ide's Ferry Champion Horseshoe Pitchers Contest. It represents a period-style 1850s contest, complete with authentic attire (provided). Only amateurs or backyarders may participate! The winner takes home a gold-filled pocket watch.

The Pioneer Christmas Party is celebrated the third Saturday in December and emphasizes early holiday traditions of the north valley.


Docent and Volunteer Group

The Northern Buttes District is pleased to announce that the William B. Ide Adobe Visitor's Center Interpretive Plan is now available. The following summary document will provide the reader information about the plan. For more information, please contact the District at 530 538-2200.
View the document here.