Big Basin Redwoods State Park Announces Massive Expansion

California’s oldest state park just got bigger.

California State Parks announced the permanent addition of 153 acres known as the NoraBella property to Big Basin Redwoods State Park, marking the first expansion of the park in more than a decade.

The $2.4 million acquisition, completed in partnership with Sempervirens Fund, is being described as a key piece of Big Basin’s long-term recovery following the devastating 2020 CZU wildfire.

Often called the “Gateway to Big Basin,” the forested property stretches across ridges, creeks, and canyons just outside Boulder Creek. It includes a tributary that feeds the headwaters of Boulder Creek and supports redwoods, Douglas-fir, oaks, and other native species. Wildlife such as mountain lions and gray foxes have also been documented on the land.

Big Basin, established in 1902, is California’s oldest state park. Nearly all of its visitor infrastructure was destroyed in the CZU fire, prompting a first-of-its-kind effort to reimagine the park’s future. State officials say NoraBella will play a critical role in that vision, potentially serving as part of a new welcome area near Saddle Mountain and helping reduce development impacts in the park’s old-growth core.

The land itself has a complicated history. It was clear-cut around the turn of the 20th century and more recently gained attention due to environmental cleanup efforts before being acquired for conservation.

With this addition, conservation leaders say Big Basin’s redwood forests are one step closer to a stronger, more resilient future.