EXPLORE LOCALLY
In this divided time, nature brings us together. In a pandemic, we lean to land as a place of healing and solace. In times of hatred and racism, we seek the outdoors as a place of peace and hope.
Whether you love to hike or just want to sit and watch the wildlife, there are tons of options to get you outside. We invite you to seek space, healing, peace and joy by exploring our beautiful region and its abundant outdoor opportunities. Below are some ideas of where you can enjoy the great outdoors with friends and family.
Identifies barrier free, accessible sites
Identifies auto tour for road viewing
Recreational Opportunities: wildlife and wildflower viewing from the road.
A wonderful self-guided auto tour in spring (April to May) for those looking to find abundant wildflowers. Bear Valley Road boasts some of the most spectacular wildflower shows each spring, thanks to the stewardship of the privately owned ranches that make up this valley. If you make it to the north end of the valley, Keegan Ranch has a gate that allows visitors to step out into the pasture. A leisure drive, we ask that you be respectful of private property and drive slow on the gravel road. Please do not trespass as you look for flowers, and do not disturb the cattle and horses you may see in pastures along the road.
For more information, visit
Recreational Opportunities: hiking, wildlife viewing, auto tours, and hunting,
If you enjoy getting outdoors and looking for wildlife, the Sacramento NWR is a great place to visit. Drive one of the auto tours or take a hike along a trail to spot some of the wildlife of the Sacramento Valley.
For more information, visit
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/sacramento
Recreational Opportunities: wildlife viewing
Delevan NWR is not open to the public for wildlife watching but offers viewing opportunities along the surrounding public roads (Maxwell and Four-Mile Roads). For greater visitor opportunities, visit Sacramento or Colusa NWRs
For more information, visit
Recreational Opportunities: hiking, wildlife viewing, auto tours, and hunting.
Colusa NWR is a great place to spot migrating waterfowl and other wildlife. One of the more common sightings are of wood ducks in the spring and summer. Walk quietly on the trail and you might see them! Or, check out the observation deck and walkway to see what other animals you can spot.
For more information, visit
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/colusa
Recreational Opportunities: hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, picnic areas, camping, and launch ramp for small boats.
Riverbank cottonwoods and willows shelter one of the finest fishing stretches in California, with king salmon, steelhead, rainbow trout and striped bass some of the catches. The river is on a major migratory route for birds of the Pacific flyway and provides home to an amazing number of species. The River Patwin Indian tribe once lived nearby the area and in 1872 John Muir camped near what is now the park.
For more information, visit
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=461
Recreational Opportunities: hiking, wildlife viewing, and hunting.
Located within the Butte Basin, a low-lying area extending from the Sacramento River south and east to the Butte Creek drainage and southward to include the Butte Sink. Historically, this basin consisted of a braided network of sloughs, channels, and oxbows resulting from the meanderings of the Sacramento River and Butte Creek, and comprised a significant portion of the wetland habitat available for wintering migratory birds. Today it is still considered one of the finest wetland habitat complexes in North America. The Wildlife Area was created to protect and/or restore some of these historical wetlands.
For more information, visit
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Upper-Butte-Basin-WA
Recreational Opportunities: hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting, fishing, and education.
Gray Lodge’s diversity and location along the Pacific Flyway make it a haven for wildlife. Surrounded by miles of rich agricultural lands, the area supports more than 300 species of resident and migrant birds and mammals. Educational programs, informative exhibits, a self-guided nature trail and seasonal guided tours delight thousands of visitors every year.
For more information, visit
Recreational Opportunities: docent led hikes, wildlife viewing, and education.
Our sister organization, Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes hosts seasonal guided hikes and educational school outings within the Sutter Buttes. There are a wide variety of hikes to suite all skill levels and interests. The group also hosts an annual spring dinner in the Buttes, called Sunset Serenade, with the silent auction and raffle proceeds benefiting the land trust.
For more information, visit
http://www.middlemountainhikes.org/
Recreational Opportunities: hiking, wildlife viewing, and hunting.
Sutter National Wildlife is part of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The refuge consists of about 2,591 acres of wetlands, with some grasslands and riparian habitats. Bird watchers can enjoy the seasonal trail (Feb 15- June 30) or spot migrating waterfowl from Hughes Road. Waterfowl are present September through April and numbers between January and February.
For more information, visit
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/sutter
Recreational Opportunities: hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor classroom.
Find over five miles of signed and maintained grassy trails that run through mature oak forest, open grassland, along sloughs and a lake, through mixed riparian woodland, and on to the bank of the Feather River. eBird reports over 190 species of birds have been observed, including Black-crowned Night Herons, Wood Ducks, and Swainson’s Hawks.
For more information, visit
https://www.sacramentoaudubon.org/bobelaine-audubon-sanctuary
Recreational Opportunities: hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, picnic areas, beaches, swimming, and boat launch.
The Feather River Wildlife Area includes approximately 2,800 acres of dense riparian that supports a wide variety of wildlife and encompasses Abbott Lake, Lake of the Woods, Nelson Slough, O’Connor Lakes, Shanghai Bend, and Star Bend.
For more information, visit
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Feather-River-WA
Recreational Opportunities: boat launch, softball fields, soccer fields, swimming, motorcross and ATV course, BMX track, and nature area.
With it’s close to town location, you can enjoy all the amenities the park has to offer without the long drive. The park has also hosted large events, including concerts.
For more information, visit
https://visityubasutter.com/activity/beckwourth-riverfront-park
Recreational Opportunities: hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, beach, swimming, and fishing.
Situated perfectly in the heart of Yuba City, along the Feather River, the parkway offers visitors a chance to get away without driving far. Stroll through the oaks and riparian habitat or enjoy a dip in the river.
For more information, visit
https://visityubasutter.com/activity/feather-river-parkway
Recreational Opportunities: hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Ellis Lake Loop is a 1.2 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located within the town of Marysville and features a lake.
For more information, visit
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/ellis-lake-loop
Recreational Opportunities: hiking, biking, equestrian use, seasonal camping, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and firing range.
Spenceville Wildlife Area features blue oak – gray pine woodland characteristic of the Sierra Foothills. There are numerous ponds, creeks, trails and riparian zones in the area, as well as a waterfall (Beale Falls).
For more information, visit
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Spenceville-WA
Recreational Opportunities: hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
This Gold Rush-era mining site features a large groundwater-fed pond that sits amongst blue oak-foothill pine woodlands and riparian habitat.
For more information, visit https://www.bylt.org/land/black-swan-preserve/
Recreational Opportunities: hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, picnic areas, group day use areas, swimming, boat launch, and camping.
A unique 9-mile long lake with boat-in camping and plenty of other outdoor recreation options. The lake is held back by Englebright Dam, which spans 1,142 feet across and was constructed for the storage of hydraulic gold mining debris.
For more information, visit
https://www.spk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Englebright-Lake/
Recreational Opportunities: hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, picnic/small group day use areas, swimming, and disc golf.
Located along Dry Creek and the Yuba River, the site sits amongst blue oak-foothill pine woodlands, large sycamores, and riparian habitat. Plentiful river access for those looking to cool off or try their luck at fishing.
For more information, visit
https://www.yuba.org/departments/community_development/parks_&_campground.php
Recreational Opportunities: hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, picnic areas, group day use areas, horseshoe pits, volley ball court, gazebo, swimming, small boat launch, RV access, and camping.
Located just west of Hammon Grove, across Dry Creek, this site features large grassy areas, mature shade trees and riparian habitat that sits along the Yuba River. Well known for its camping amenities, this is a great spot for large groups.
For more information, visit
https://www.yuba.org/departments/community_development/parks_&_campground.php
Recreational Opportunities: hiking, wildlife viewing, and hunting.
Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area is approximately 7,000 acres of rolling hills covered with blue and live oak, as well as gray pine. Popular game species on these areas include dove, quail, turkeys, deer, and some jump shooting opportunities for waterfowl.
For more information, visit
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Daugherty-Hill-WA
Recreational Opportunities: hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, picnic areas, large beach, swimming, boat launch, marina, boat rentals, playground, volleyball, RV hookups, and camping.
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the lake offers abundant recreational opportunities and some of the best fishing around. With more than 50,000 trout planted every spring, Collins Lake has the largest private planting program North of Sacramento. Don’t forget to stop by the general store for an ice cream!
For more information, visit
Recreational Opportunities: hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, picnic areas, large beach, swimming, arcade, horseshoes, kayak, paddle boat, baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, biking, cabin rentals, RV camping, and tent camping.
Lake Francis Resort offers a huge variety of activities and equipment to ensure the entire family has fun. Come for the day or spend a week!
For more information, visit
Recreational Opportunities: hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, picnic areas, beaches, swimming, boat launch, marina, boat rentals, mountain biking, and camping.
Bullards Bar Reservoir and dam have an interesting history and the lake was voted by Ski Magazine as one of the best recreational lakes in the U.S. The dam provides flood control, water for irrigation, hydroelectricity production and plenty of recreation options.
For more information, visit
https://www.yubawater.org/253/New-Bullards-Bar
Disclaimer: While you enjoy our beautiful region, we ask that you respect the land, follow listed rules, and leave it as you found it. Please note, all forms of outdoor recreation have a higher level of risk than most ordinary activities, and therefore can be potentially hazardous and/or dangerous. There are many risks, both natural and/or man-made, that could lead to injury or death while engaging in outdoor activities.
For these reasons, users are responsible for their own actions and safety, exercise sound judgment, be prepared for all conditions, and seek advice on current weather and site conditions. The land trust disclaims any liability for accident, loss, injury, inconvenience or any other damage that may be sustained by anyone using the information contained in this list. Those who use this information, and those who venture onto trails or into wilderness, do so at their own risk.