Clotilde Merlo Park , Paradise Ridge @ Sterling
Beauty in Bronze, statues that is!
Clotilde Merlo Park is a wonderful day trip if you are visiting the Paradise/Magalia area or if you are fortunate enough to live there.
It is an area of natural beauty: Paths for hiking through the pine trees, benches beside the huge pond (which is full of fish) for resting, meditating, reading a good book or watching the children run and play. Most memorable are the collection of Bronze statues of children in all poses of running, jumping, lying on the ground reading a book--and the list goes on. I believe we counted about thirty (30) before we gave up and began counting the many colorful trees and bushes that we were not familiar with. Just kidding, we didn't try to count the trees!
Clothilde park bronze statues
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BBQ Area
The park is located in the tiny town of Sterling and was donated by Mr. Merlo in memory of his mother. He was the owner/founder of the Louisiana Pacific lumber Company and there is much history recorded at the park and throughout the park for you to learn about the area.
There is a large area designated for group gatherings with picnic tables and a barbeque pit for grilling up your steaks. I assume it is an area you can reserve for your parties.
Hiking
There are trails designated to hike up and around the whole area. It is quite easy walking so if you enjoy walking you can probably get around with no problem. If you are lucky, you may see some wildlife climbing the trees or walking across the trail in front of you.
This way to the Chapel
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Chapel in the pines
Don't miss the Chapel in the pines--it is beautifully created and invites you to worship or meditate. I have included pictures of the Chapel.
Meandering down the path with family or friends or alone if you enjoy alone time!
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Walking around the Pond
Gary and I enjoyed our visit there. Walking all around the pond, along paths, over bridges that took us across the water and the flowers blooming -- we felt we were experiencing a walk with our Lord, viewing all His many wonders. As we wondered over bridges and down the pathways we discovered a huge waterfall, flowers of many varieties, fish in the pond from very tiny to about 24 inches and dragonflies abound along the edges of the water and over the grassy areas.
A little bit of history and information
I am including some signs with information you might be interested in.
Some information signs at the park
We will return!
I am sure Gary and I will return many times to enjoy the tranquility and hiking trails.
More Interesting places to visit in Paradise & Magelia.
- Hiking @ Table Mountain, Oroville, California
If you love to hike on trails that are easy to climb, Table Mountain is the place. Northern California, about a hundred miles north of Sacramento. Spring time offers wild flowers, flowering trees.. - Hiking @ Table Mountain, Oroville, California
If you love to hike on trails that are easy to climb, Table Mountain is the place. Northern California, about a hundred miles north of Sacramento. Spring time offers wild flowers, flowering trees.. - Country Cooking in Paradise, California
Good food, great service, friendly atmosphere! What more can you ask? How about outdoor dining that invites your pet to join you. they even bring out a dish of doggy water if you request it.
