March 18, 2021 - LIVERMORE, Calif.—The Diablo Range District of California State Parks is pleased to announce the reopening of areas at Henry W. Coe State Park that were closed due to the SCU Lightning Complex Fire.

The fire burned roughly 55,000 of the park’s 87,000 acres in August and September 2020. State Parks closed the burned area to allow the land to recover. Winter rains have brought new plant life, stabilizing soils and allowing dormant seeds to germinate. Overall, the SCU Complex Fire had a positive impact on the park’s landscape.

However, the fire also presented challenging backcountry conditions with many fallen trees and burned-out stump holes. Park staff have cleared all the major roads of hazards, but the backcountry may still have downed trees partially blocking roads or trails.

It promises to be a beautiful spring at Henry W. Coe, and a great time to welcome visitors to the park. State Parks reminds the public that California is dealing with a pandemic. Visitors are urged to recreate responsibly, plan ahead, stay local and stay covered when six feet of physical distance cannot be maintained. Bring soap or hand sanitizer and pack out all trash. For the latest update on our visitor guidelines, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.

Lastly, parking may be impacted, so please plan visits for early in the day on weekends or visit on weekdays.

Top left: Control burns set on the west side of a dozer line at Henry W. Coe State Park on August 31, 2020. Photo from CAL FIRE. Top right: Burned area at County Line Road in January 2021. Bottom left: Pacheco Creek Crossing on Feb. 23, 2021. Bottom right: Paradise Flat and Rooster Comb on Feb. 23, 2021. Photos from California State Parks.
Source: CA. State Parks