Modjeska Canyon

Trail head, HardingTrail, Modeska Canyon, 3-9-08, closed due to fire damage

Creek at Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, 3-9-08

Santiago Creek running through Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, 3-9-08

Modjeska Canyon, Tucker Sensory Garden, 3-9-08

Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, 3-9-08 (click picture to enlarge)

Modjeska is the gateway to several hiking trails thru Cleveland National Forest. Harding Trail is directly behind the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary Sensory Garden and like many other trails near Modjeska, remains closed due to the damage from Santiago Fire. Tucker WIldlife Sanctuary's website has several photos of the fire damaged trails at http://www.tuckerwildlife.org/gallery.asp

Although Modjeska Canyon was badly affected by the 2007 Santiago Fire, parts of the canyon are still scenic. Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary and Sensory Gardens are now opened. This is a popular bird watching area. Tucker also includes a small gift shop and museum. If you plan to visit the sanctuary you might want to call first.

Another point of interest in Modjeska Canyon is the century old historic former home and gardens of the late 19th century actress Helena Modjeska. This is also known as Arden or the Modjeska Historic House. You may be able to tour the house, they usually give tours several times a month but you must call to make reservations.

Directions:

Take Chapman Ave. in the City of Orange towards the foothills. Chapman turns into Santiago Canyon Road (beautiful drive in the spring). Turn left on Modjeska Canyon Road. Follow the signs to Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary (about 2 miles from Santiago Canyon Road) or follow Modjeska Canyon Road, it loops back to Santiago Canyon Road. Also see directions at Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary's site: http://www.tuckerwildlife.org/directions.asp

Contacts:

Cleveland National Forest, Trubuco Ranger District, (951) 736-1811

Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, (714) 649-2760

Modjeska Historic House, ( 949 ) 855-2028 or (949) 923-2230

Links to historical information on Modjeska Canyon

History of Silverado & Modjeska area from the Canyon Land Conservation Fund: http://www.canyonland.org/canyonhistory.html

History of the Modjeska house: http://www.canyonlife.com/STORY8.HTM