West Bear Creek Unit auto tour route (generally open fall-spring and closed during summer)
Open seasonally when tour route wetlands are flooded (timing may fluctuate annually, but the unit generally is open fall through spring).
Driving Directions
Coming from the North (Modesto) on CA-99: In Turlock, take the Lander Ave/CA-165 exit toward Los Banos. Travel south on CA-165 through the communities of Hilmar and Stevinson. At the 4-way stop at the intersection of CA-165 and CA-140, continue southbound (straight) toward Los Banos for 3 miles to the West Bear Creek Unit entrance on the left (east) side of the highway.
Coming from the South (Fresno) on CA-99: Travel on CA-99 north to CA-152 westbound. Travel westbound on CA-152 to Los Banos. Turn right on Mercey Springs Road (fourth stoplight after entering Los Banos from the east). Continue on Mercey Springs Road (also called CA-165) northbound on CA-165 for an additional 9 miles north of Wolfsen Rd to the West Bear Creek Unit entrance on the right (east) side of the highway.
From Interstate 5 (north or south): Take the Los Banos/CA-152 east exit. Travel on CA-152 eastbound into Los Banos. Turn left on Mercey Springs Road. Continue on Mercey Springs Road (also called CA-165) northbound on CA-165 for an additional 9 miles north of Wolfsen Rd to the West Bear Creek Unit entrance on the right (east) side of the highway.
From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and San Jose International Airport (SJC): Take US 101 southbound toward Gilroy. Take the CA-152 EAST exit toward Los Banos. Travel eastbound on CA-152 toward Los Banos. Continue into Los Banos and turn left on Mercey Springs Road. Continue on Mercey Springs Road (also called CA-165) northbound on CA-165 for an additional 9 miles north of Wolfsen Rd to the West Bear Creek Unit entrance on the right (east) side of the highway.
Hours for West Bear Creek Unit auto tour route and nature trails
Seasonal
Open seasonally when tour route wetlands are flooded (timing may fluctuate annually, but the unit generally is open fall through spring and closed during summer).