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Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge

Willows, CA U.S.A.

C/O Sacramento N.W.R.
752 County Road 99W
Willows, CA 95988-9639
U.S.A.

530-934-2801
530-934-7774 Information
530-934-7814 Fax

Open Year-Round

No Entry Fee Charged

State Park Information

This new refuge in Chico California, skirts the Sacramento River in the north-central area of the Sacramento Valley.

The refuge consists of 27 parcels of land that protect about 10,500 acres of forests, oak woodlands, grasslands and wetland habitat that are critical to fish, migratory birds, plants and the river system itself.

The parcels are located intermittently along a 77-mile stretch of the Sacramento River from Red Bluff to Princeton.

There has been an 85 percent reduction of riparian vegetation throughout the Sacramento Valley and foothills region and about a 95 percent reduction along this area's major river systems.

The relatively small amount of riparian woodlands that remain are critical. Theey provide breeding and wintering habitats for many songbirds and water-dependent animals, including the river otter, western pond turtle, beaver, American pelicans and ospreys.

The refuge supports numerous threatened and endangered plants and animals, including the bald eagle. Western yellow-billed cuckoo, bank swallow, willow flycatcher, Chinook salmon, steelhead and the Valley elderberry longhorn beetle.

In 2006, 18 units varying in size from 50 to 500 acres were opened to the public.

There is wildlife observation, nature photography, hiking, fishing and hunting.

Most units are boat-accessible only. Currently, four units are accessible by vehicle.

To reach the refuge from Hwy. 99E in Gridley, travel north approximately nine miles. Turn west on Hwy. 162, and travel approximately 12 miles to Road Z. Turn north and travel approximately 11 miles to the Sacramento River refuge entrance.

From Chico, take Dayton Road south approximately five miles, turn west onto Ord Ferry Road. Continue west approximately three miles; turn south onto Seven-mile Lane. Travel 2 miles to the Unit entrance.

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