Hiking the rustic land of Harbin Canyon has always required vigilance and since the Fire in 2015 it requires even more vigilance.

The fire of 2015 dramatically changed the terrain and trails. In the years since the fire, we’ve restored some old trails and established some new ones, giving you the opportunity to explore the land with new eyes.

When you wander around Harbin you will see how the fire affected the land. You’ll notice how the vegetation and wildlife has returned in un-remediated areas compared to growth where we’ve cleared and replanted. And you’ll see where some of the replanting was successful, but not always as successful as we had hoped on some hillsides. All of this is changing season by season, and year by year.

The winters of 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 brought an unusually large amount of snow which invited new growth but also new grass that can lead to increased fire danger. The hills have remained green far into the summer and the charred hills are softened with new growth. As many are becoming all too familiar with wildfires, Harbin does offer hope to us all when we can witness the return of life. As you walk along the trails you’ll notice the return of plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife.

Unless a trail is clearly marked, DO NOT use it. Some trails you see that look like interesting hiking are still fragile from the fire and prone to dangerous erosion.

If you’re planning a long hike, dress in layers and bring water and sun protection with you. Let a friend or someone at our reception office know of your hiking plans.

Bring a cell phone FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY. Please keep the echoing hillsides free of phone conversations.

Watch out for poison oak and wildlife.

Stay on marked trails.

Please maintain awareness of the time, so that you can return to your car before your guest pass expires.

We are still working to:

...remove dead trees and other debris from the 2015 fire

...protect many fire-bared hillsides from unchecked erosion

...safeguard the watershed

...reclaim precious wildlife habitat

...complete a multi-year project of managed reforestation.

Harbin is a clothing optional facility. For the privacy, consideration and safety of our guests, Please remember that no photography or video capture is allowed anywhere on Harbin property, even while hiking.

Ticks: Adult ticks climb to the tips of vegetation and wait for a host to brush against them. Protect yourself by tucking pants into boots or socks, and shirt into pants. Wear light-colored clothing (to spot ticks easily) and check yourself often. To remove ticks, grasp firmly with tweezers or a tissue, as close to the skin as possible, and pull gently straight out without twisting or squeezing. Disinfect the bitten area and wash hands.

Black widow: The female black widow is normally shiny black, with a red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen. The body of an adult female is about 1/2 inch long. The black widow is commonly found in woodpiles, under stones, in hollow stumps, and in rodent burrows, and in dark corners of bathroom, and sheds. Black Widow spiders build loose and irregular mesh-type webs. They do not produce the symmetrical web typical of orb weaving spiders.

Rattlesnakes: Rattlesnakes may be found in this area and are active throughout the year. They are important members of the natural community, as they help keep rodent and other small animal populations under control. Rattlesnakes are not aggressive, but will strike to defend themselves if disturbed. Never disturb a rattlesnake for any reason. Rattle Snake bites must be treated immediately. If bitten, sit quietly with little movement, call the emergency number and send your hiking partner for help.

Poison oak: To avoid poison oak: Stay on trails and wash thoroughly with a non-oily soap after a walk. If contacted, wash the area with mud or dry earth immediately. Soda solutions, alkaline lotions, epson salts and non oily soaps may be helpful. Avoid using the pools.

Mountain lion safety: Mountain lions may be found in this area. Lions typically hunt between dusk and dawn. In the rare case of an encounter: face lion, back away slowly, do not run. Appear large, raise arms, open jacket, shout. Keep children close, pick up children without bending. If attacked, fight back.