Beeks Place, California, Orange County is a captivating ghost town that captures the imagination of those interested in history and exploration. Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Southern California, Beeks Place offers a glimpse into the past with its intriguing remnants and stories. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Orange County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 33.7431° N, 117.5880° W
Elevation: Approximately 3,100 feet
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (PT)
Established: Not available
Disestablished: Not available
Comments: Beeks Place is named after Joseph Beeks, a pioneer in the region known for his association with the Saddleback Valley. The area was once part of a larger ranching operation and served as a resting spot for travelers in the rugged terrain of the Santa Ana Mountains. It is a reflection of the pioneering spirit and the challenges faced by early settlers in California.
Remains: The most notable remains at Beeks Place include the foundation of the original Beeks family cabin and a few scattered artifacts that hint at the area’s past. The site is accessible by hiking trails and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and distant cityscapes.
The ruins are what is left of a building belonging to Mr. Joseph “Joe” Beek, who served as the Newport Harbor Master for a short time. In 1919, he obtained the franchise for the Balboa Island Ferry, which remains in the family to this day. He also served as secretary of the California State Senate until his death in 1968. Joseph Beek secured the rights from Newport Beach to establish the ferry service to Balboa Island in 1919. He used a small skiff to transport passengers.
Current Status: Beeks Place is a ghost town, with no permanent residents. It is a popular destination for hikers and history enthusiasts who are drawn to its scenic beauty and historical significance.
Beeks Place is popular as a destination and stopover within the mountain bike community. Ride Details shown are for “up and down” as most riders do, however it is also the route to Four Corners or the Silverado Motorway. The ride goal of one-hour “gate to gate” from Blackstar Canyon Road is easily accomplished by seasoned mountain bike riders and a good climbing test of leg strength and endurance.
Remarks: While little physical evidence remains of Beeks Place’s past, its location within the Cleveland National Forest makes it a protected and preserved site. The journey to Beeks Place is as rewarding as the destination itself, offering adventurers a chance to connect with nature and history simultaneously. The town’s story is a reminder of the transient nature of settlement and the enduring appeal of exploring forgotten places.
The main cabin was built during the 1930s, and the smaller one shortly after that. They each had one room. The smaller one was built for a caretaker. Although the family only used it on weekends, sometimes a caretaker would live there for up to a few months. The family still goes there on occasion, but due to constant vandalism and theft, it became impossible to maintain.
The family planted all the coniferous trees. A system of cisterns can be seen around the area for water storage, making it possible to grow the trees. One cistern down from the main cabin was used as a swimming pool.
