San Luis Creek-O'Neill Forebay

 This will be our culminating course field experience and session.  We will begin the morning near a sandy beach picnic area and hear from an expert on the nexus between California’s water, energy, and climate science efforts.  THIS will be an enjoyable day, as you share the poster presentations on capstone projects and review our class participatory science project. Planning is in place for a barge tour of O’Neill Forebay, a summary experience of the course, and perhaps some special guests framing future opportunities you may find of interest. 

Parking is directly adjacent to the open air picnic area we will use for our field experience day.  The slightly sloping parking area is asphalt, with designated accessible parking spaces.  The level, paved, wide path adjoins the parking area and progresses past the accessible restrooms.  There are ADA picnic tables with concrete pads and paths to them.   A sloping sand beach edges the path, as it winds an extended distance which connects many picnic areas among sloping hills. There is a more steeply sloped path leading to the dock.  The barge is somewhat accessible.  There is potable water.

 Nestled in the grassy hills of the western San Joaquin Valley near historic Pacheco Pass, San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area is noted for boating, board sailing, camping, and picnicking. But it's anglers who find the unit's three lakes most inviting.

The area around San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay is often very windy, and winds can come up quite suddenly. Watch the wind warning lights at the Basalt entrance station, Quien Sabe Point, and Romero Visitor Center. On the forebay, wind warning lights are located at the Medeiros boat ramp and above the South Beach picnic area at San Luis Creek.

•  Before traveling, please review, take a screen shot, and/or print directions.  Your GPS may not work when in the area.
• Dress appropriate for a range of weather conditions.  Layered clothing is suggested.  Consider bringing sunscreen, a handkerchief, and hat.
• You should bring water, snacks, and your lunch. 
• Bring your field/nature journal, writing/journaling tools.
• Feel free to bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras.
• Note:  Wifi and phone service at the Forebay may be limited.

Image from PattyOutdoors blog.

To get to the general area use this address (Four Rivers Sector Office):

31426 Gonzaga Road, Gustine, CA  (located across Highway 152 from San Luis Creek/O’Neill Forebay)

On Highway 152, 7 miles West of I-5, or 33 miles East of Highway 101 from Gilroy

If coming from the East:

After passing Romero Visitors Center on your right, begin to watch for a left hand turn lane/signage for the San Luis Creek/O’Neill Forebay entrance.

If coming from the West:

Once you see the O’Neill Forebay on your right, begin to watch for the sign and right hand turn into the entrance.