An ambitious restoration is underway at this site, which as of 2010 has restricted access but will soon feature trails open to the public and made up of lake, marsh, riparian woods, and thicket habitats. Many tall snags provide platform and cavity nesting areas. Watch for Bewick’s Wren, California Quail, Common Yellowthroat, Double-crested Cormorant, Northern Flicker, Red-winged Blackbird, Osprey, Rufous Hummingbird, Western Scrub-Jay, and Song Sparrow. In the right season, Cheadle Lake is also a good spot to scan for migrant waterbirds, such as terns. An historic wagon trail is across US Hwy 20 from the lake. Ridgeway Butte towers over the site, and will eventually be included in the trail system.
From US Hwy 20 in S Lebanon, turn E on Russell Dr (not Russell St, just down the hwy) and go about 0.8 mi to the park entrance on the R as you come to a L-hand curve. Russell Dr becomes River Rd/Waterloo Rd/River Dr along the way.
