McLaughlin Natural Reserve

McLaughlin Natural Reserve spans thousands of acres across Napa and Lake counties, displaying a patchwork of woodlands, chaparral scrub, and open grasslands. The landscape shifts noticeably depending on elevation and soil type throughout the property.

The land was previously the site of an active gold mine operating from 1985 to 2002 before being converted to a research reserve. This transformation from mining operations to protected habitat marks a shift toward ecological restoration.

The Ray Krauss Field Station serves as a teaching hub where university students come to study geology, plant evolution, and ecological genetics. Visitors can observe researchers working in the field and using the facilities for hands-on learning.

The reserve provides visitor access to trails and diverse habitats across its lands. Bring sturdy footwear and water, as conditions vary significantly by season and elevation.

The reserve contains rare serpentine soil deposits that support specialized plants and endemic insects found nowhere else. These unusual soils create isolated ecosystems with remarkable biodiversity.