Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
4.5
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4.5
571 reviews
Excellent
412
Very good
130
Average
23
Poor
3
Terrible
3
MwalimuT
Keizer, OR53 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
An amazing place to view birds. Interesting background as to how this wetlands came to be. Would highly recommend visiting if you want to see a nice variety.
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim W.
Atlanta, GA1,152 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
We visited on a sunny holiday in February. The weather and the free time brought a LOT of people out to the park.
We had to park in the secondary lot (adjacent to the library) as the first lot we tried was full.
The park, which we probably did not fully explore, is built around 5 - 6 large ponds. Each one is a magnet for birds of all types. I saw a number of photographers with huge lenses prowling around looking for shots.
There are well-marked dirt trails that wind in between the ponds, which are also largely bordered by large bushes and trees. Hence, you get the feeling of being much more isolated from civilization than you actually are (which can be nice).
Other amenities included some playgrounds for the kids, at least one boardwalk across part of a pond, restrooms, and even a small observatory.
If you just want to do a short nature-walk or if you are into birdwatching, this could be a nice place to spend an hour or so.
We had to park in the secondary lot (adjacent to the library) as the first lot we tried was full.
The park, which we probably did not fully explore, is built around 5 - 6 large ponds. Each one is a magnet for birds of all types. I saw a number of photographers with huge lenses prowling around looking for shots.
There are well-marked dirt trails that wind in between the ponds, which are also largely bordered by large bushes and trees. Hence, you get the feeling of being much more isolated from civilization than you actually are (which can be nice).
Other amenities included some playgrounds for the kids, at least one boardwalk across part of a pond, restrooms, and even a small observatory.
If you just want to do a short nature-walk or if you are into birdwatching, this could be a nice place to spend an hour or so.
Written 26 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
awatts
Albany, OR19 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
This place had fantastic wildlife. We appreciated the restrooms on site and the expansive area to explore. On this trip, we saw white pelicans, cranes, turtles, ducks (families feeding the ducks), sandpipers, bunnies, fish (and families fishing), lots of hummingbirds, and many people out walking their dogs. The trails were all flat and there were lots of benches and opportunities to get closets the water. There was groups of people with binoculars bird watching and others with cameras and long lenses. Parking was free and I'm so glad we set out to visit here.
Written 30 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ralph S
1 contribution
May 2023 • Couples
Loved this place was clean and fun. A lot of animal sightings. I loved that it was pet friendly also because my dog got his walk in as he was tired, but he loved it too seen a bunch of rabbits.
Written 29 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
juliebfromindy
Indianapolis, IN2,214 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
We stopped in just to find out what it was. Lovely location with free on site parking that is handicapped accessible with trails. This is a reclaimed water area that is home to migratory birds, quail, rabbits and oh so much more. Trails are shaded by big trees with lovely benches to sit on spaced out all over. There is a cute play area for children, it is dog friendly and you can ride your horse here We will definitely be back!!
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveler30550280536
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Couples
The Riparian Preserve has an abundance of birds gathered in trees and on the 6 ponds/lakes surrounding walking trails. The Preserve has an excellent pamphlet that list all the birds that live or migrate through the area.
Written 31 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerel Price
Anchorage, AK2 contributions
Feb 2023
What an incredible place. There is a large variety of birds, small mammals, plants and trees. Beautiful!
Written 9 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
soulefultraveler
Sun City West, AZ1,973 contributions
Feb 2023
We had a group come across the valley to see this place, and it was a really nice surprise. We had a naturalist show us around about a mile trail, and she even handed out high-quality binoculars to view the very varied bird life. All free. Interesting. Heard it is extremely crowded on weekends.
Written 8 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry B
3 contributions
Jan 2023
What an unexpected pleasure it was to find this gem. We walked the trails and enjoyed the many species of plants, the beautiful birds (including about seventy white pelicans) and the the many water areas around the preserve. It was quiet and peaceful as we were strolling through the preserve. If we lived closer I would enjoy this frequently.
Written 6 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MikeB1952
Santa Fe, NM1,082 contributions
Nov 2022
So, can you review a place too many times. Probably. I debated reviewing the Preserve a third time. But decided it was important to share that it's still a wonderful place. We were in the Phoenix area visiting son and family. This time, it was only my wife and I and our grandson visiting the Preserve. A different perspective. Through a child's eyes.
Our grandson loves the Preserve. There's birds to feed, turtles to watch, water to play in, concrete paths to walk, piles of sand to play in. Oops! Maybe shouldn't share that. They were doing trail maintenance and there was a pile of sand and gravel. Our grandson loved climbing and playing King of the Hill on the pile. That's in addition to feeding the fish, watching the turtle get on a log and walking on the concrete feature.
They have done a wonderful thing with the Preserve. And . . . it's got a real purpose. Replenishing the aquafer. Someone was foresighted.
We'll be back for sure. This time maybe I'll play in the water.
Our grandson loves the Preserve. There's birds to feed, turtles to watch, water to play in, concrete paths to walk, piles of sand to play in. Oops! Maybe shouldn't share that. They were doing trail maintenance and there was a pile of sand and gravel. Our grandson loved climbing and playing King of the Hill on the pile. That's in addition to feeding the fish, watching the turtle get on a log and walking on the concrete feature.
They have done a wonderful thing with the Preserve. And . . . it's got a real purpose. Replenishing the aquafer. Someone was foresighted.
We'll be back for sure. This time maybe I'll play in the water.
Written 30 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue S
Rapid City, SD6 contributions
Are marriage proposals allowed at the Riparian Preserve?
Can you feed ducks and what is recommended?
Sarracenia
Norman, OK1,720 contributions
I found this information (see in quote marks) that apparently staff at the Riparian area has posted as a guideline for people that want to feed the ducks:
Can I Feed the Ducks?
"In our Riparian Preserve, feeding is permitted at Water Ranch Lake only because many of the birds that visit the other ponds in the preserve are migratory and need to remain wild. There is plenty of food for those birds in the natural riparian environment. While it seems like a wonderful connection to provide food to a wild animal, it has an extremely negative impact on that animal for the rest of its life. Enjoy watching wild ducks, but don’t feed them.
If you’d like to feed the ‘semi-domestic’ ducks that you find at Water Ranch Lake or other parks, we ask that you follow these rules to ensure the ducks stay healthy:
DO NOT FEED:
Bread
Crackers or other snack food
Chicken feed
INSTEAD, WE RECOMMEND:
Wild bird seed
Cracked corn
Whole grain cereal that floats
Many people think that because a duck seems to enjoy eating ‘people’ food, those foods must be okay for them to eat. But breads, crackers, and other processed foods have no nutritional value, and are actually like ‘junk’ food to ducks – they fill themselves up on these foods, then don’t seek foods that provide them with actual nourishment. Following our recommendations ensures the ducks remain happy and healthy for everyone to enjoy."
Are there boat rentals available?
greg s
Winnipeg, Canada71 contributions
There are not. As the water is part of the water reclamation system for the city it is not open to have boats or people in it.
Why is the water a bluish green color?
DMC301
Gilbert, AZ15 contributions
It is common with our intense sunlight for algae to bloom in ponds. The reclaimed water is strained, filtered and chlorinated but is not for consumption. It is primarily used for landscape irrigation such as golf courses and other industries in place of our drinking water. Because less drinking (potable) water is used on landscapes and in industry, reclaimed water has eased the demand on our groundwater and surface water resources. In the peak demand period in summer, reclaimed water saves more than 17 million gallons of drinking water each day!
mazdagal03
Arizona City, AZ3 contributions
does anyone know how much it costs to get married here? And also who to contact about that?
Wade H
5 contributions
Here are some companies that host:
Wedding Spot
The Knot
Search for Wedding Hosts at Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch for more.
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Claim your listingRiparian Preserve at Water Ranch - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
- Hotels near Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch:
- (2.30 km) Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix East Mesa
- (8.34 km) Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix/Gilbert
- (4.21 km) La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Mesa Superstition Springs
- (2.04 km) Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Gilbert
- (1.25 km) Large Resort Style Home- "Where Summer Loves to Linger and Winter Never Comes"
- Restaurants near Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch:
- (0.88 km) Henhouse Cafe
- (0.76 km) Sushi Ave
- (0.98 km) Rancho de Tia Rosa
- (0.97 km) Rise Up Bakery
- (0.97 km) Wild Ginger Asian Bistro