A large, dirt parking lot, 25 wooden steps and a dirt footpath lead the Alligator Hole visitor to a cool surprise. The delicate sound of water rippling over the cobblestone-sized rocks of the creek bed urge all visitors to come closer to the water. 

Alligator Hole is not a perfect place to swim.  In fact, the water is only knee-deep in most places.  However, the area is very easily accessible and just secluded enough for any visitor hoping to get away from the city.  There are plenty of signs that visitors have relaxed in the shade of the Valley Oaks and Digger Pines with a few friends. 

A couple of beer cans carelessly tossed in the grass (although alcohol is forbidden in the park) leaves a message to visitors that a good time may have been had recently.

If visitors were to sit down on a rock at Alligator Hole for a few minutes to take in the view, they would experience a wild world, fully functioning around them.  Squirrels scurry about the area, gathering the abundance of acorns lying all over the ground.  Birds effortlessly swoop dangerously close the the flowing water, as if playing games with one another. Although a picture doesn't do the area justice, the scene is one which should be caught by any visitor's camera.

Alligator Hole is the first hole that any visitor will find along Upper Park Road while heading deep into Upper Bidwell Park.  Any visitor can reach this site by hike, bike or car.
 
 
 
 
 

Bidwell Park Related Links