Three Bridges Oak Preserve Loop Trail, Atascadero
Three Bridges Oak Preserve Loop Trail in Atascadero is a shady 1.5 mile loop trail that winds gradually up a hill. It is easy on the knees! As you get higher, there are good views to the next wooded hill. Halfway along, there is a short trail to a lookout.
The trail begins with an easy creek crossing on large stepping stones and then takes you into awesome spooky oak forest! The twisty trees, standing amid yellow grasses, have lichen and Spanish moss (actually lace lichen). The effect is wonderful!
The hike is located near the beginning of Highway 41, the road that leads from Atascadero to Morro Bay. On thewinding roads that lead to it, you see deer, turkeys, and goats! It's a lot of fun!
This hike is an eleven minute drive from downtown Atascadero, where you can get a piece of pie at Bramble Pie Company and then walk the sunken garden.
On the drive to this trail, you pass Atascadero Lake Park, a nice spot for a walk around the lake, with a good playground.
For another excellent hike in Atascadero, check out Stadium Park Hike.
Jim Green Trail has a similar spooky forest, but it has a sewer plant nearby that you can smell.
Plaque about the creek. There are red-legged frogs, wood ducks, western pond turtles, and steelhead trout.
A family sets out on the trail.
The oaky forest.
Thick oak forest with lace lichen hanging from the trees.
Rocks along the trail by the blue oak woodland.
The spooky forest and pleasant trail.
The trail goes up and down and winds around.
Views of the mountains from the trail.
The trail is well-made.
A tree trunk with lichens and moss.
We spot an acorn woodpecker!
A plaque about the three different types of woodland you will walk through: riparian woodland by the creek, blue oak woodland, and coast live oak woodland.
Mountain views from the trail.
A cozy corner in the trail.
An animal lives here!
Map of the loop, with a short trail to a lookout halfway along.
Deer we saw on the drive.
Deer along the road, on the way there.
Three Bridges Oak Preserve Trail is located at 9930 Carmelita Ave, Atascadero, CA. There is a paved parking lot.
Last Updated: Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:41:14 GMT
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