Oso Creek Trail: Turn at the Tunnel Slides to Explore Nature

Oso Creek Trail runs along Oso Creek below Oso Viejo Park playground in Mission Viejo. Our first visit to the trail was magical. We arrived late on a cool Sunday evening. No one was at the playground – so we all had a good play and then let the kids lead us down the hill.

Location: From the 5 Freeway, take the La Paz exit and head east past Marguerite Parkway. Make a left on Veterans Way. (Address: 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo) MAP to Oso Creek Trail in Mission Viejo

Highlights:

• Norman P. Murray Community Center is lovely. An absolutely unique “active intergenerational center.” The playground resides in its backyard. I love the many relaxing and renewing places to sit on the grounds.

Natural Exploration:

• As you are facing the playground, the trail is to your left past the baseball diamonds. It winds its way down the hill to the pathway above the creek. We walked to our left. There’s a nice grassy area and mosaic columns by local artists and community members.
• Cross the bridge to see the butterfly garden. Turn right (heading up the hill) and watch the creek for signs of wildlife. It was alive with birds and bunnies when we were there. In fact, we even spotted a mommy duck and about 7 ducklings.
• You’ll come to a point where the trail turns into dirt and then bark. That’s where you’ll discover the maze. Plan to stay a while. It never gets boring for the kids.

Be Aware:

• There are coyote warning signs and we saw evidence of a small animal that became a coyote meal. However, unless you have a small dog there is no reason to be concerned. Coyotes are small and skittish – usually out in the early morning and late evening hours.

Checklist:

• Parking at the Norman P. Murray Community Center
• Mostly paved path
• Restrooms up near the community center
• Shade trees along the path – but it gets hot up here in the summer
• Coyote info for kids on National Geographic
• California Department of Fish and Game Coyote Brochure