Located in the center of Big Valley, the Ash Creek Wildlife Area encompasses more than 14,000 acres of natural and cultivated habitats for wildlife species. Hunters travel from all areas of California and adjacent states to hunt waterfowl during the fall and winter. Other popular recreational activities include fishing and bird watching. Resident trout can be caught in Ash creek and birding is exceptional during fall and spring migration.

The wildlife area also hosts the largest acreage of vernal pools in the watershed. These vernal pools provide habitat to a unique assemblage of plant and invertebrate species.