Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park

Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park

Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park is near Chico, California. It has day-use activities like fishing, picnicking, hikes, launching boats, and floating down the beautiful Sacramento River. The park, named after General John Bidwell, is a good place to see animals like eagles, red foxes, and sturgeon.

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park is another place where people can learn about General Bidwell and his wife, Annie. Nearby Bidwell Park has more nature trails for walking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as picnic spots and a disc golf course. It’s a great place for people who like being outside.

Activities At Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park

Take some time to relax and unwind in the verdant surroundings of a riparian ecosystem. The park’s four-day use sites, Indian Fishery, Big Chico Creek, Pine Creek, and Irvine Finch River Access, offer fishing, Hiking, tubing, boating, geocaching, sunbathing, and birdwatching. Discover the region’s nature, fauna, and history. Activities at Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park include:

Boating At Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park

Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park is a great place to go on a thrilling boating expedition. The park provides an exciting day on the river with either tubing or paddling. After fishing for salmon, stripers, steelhead, and shad, visitors’ second favorite activity is boating.

A large parking lot and boat launch area at the Irvine Finch River access site. Experience the thrill of the river, take in the scenery, and make some lifelong memories on a boating trip in Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park.

Hiking At Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park

Bidwell-Sac River State Park is home to beautiful oak trees, an oxbow lake, and the Sacramento River and riparian ecosystem. Visitors visiting the park’s Indian Fishery Day use area can take advantage of the park’s scenic nature trail, which winds around the area and offers additional opportunities to watch birds, turtles, fish, and other species. Easily accessible and at 0.7 miles in length, this path winds through riparian forests before emerging at a lakeside fishing spot.

Fishing At Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park

Fishing is the number one reason people visit Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park. Bass, bluegill, and crappie can all be caught in Oxbow Lake, an additional fishing spot at Indian Fishery. Obtain a California fishing license and bring your fishing gear to the park.

Birding At Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park

The broad grasslands, forests, and wetlands of Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park are home to many different species of birds. Ducks, eagles, ospreys, owls, egrets, herons, woodpeckers, and bluebirds are native and migratory birds you might observe in the park.

To name a few: Northern Flickers, Western Meadowlarks, California Quail, Canada Geese, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Swainson’s Hawks, Spotted Sandpipers, Lesser Nighthawks, Blue Grosbeaks, Ring-necked Pheasants, California Quail, Canada Geese, and Yellow-billed Cuckoos.

Nature And Wildlife At Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park

You may encounter various wildlife while strolling along the river or investigating the park’s forested nature trails. You may also encounter squirrels, deer, raccoons, opossums, foxes, skunks, muskrats, beavers, river otters, snakes, Western Pond Turtles, and numerous species of wildlife.

Along the Sacramento River, the park’s riparian habitat features oak, cottonwood, willow, white alder trees, wild blackberry shrubs, and an assortment of vibrant wildflowers.

Camping At Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park

Campsites at Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park are convenient stops for travelers towing recreational vehicles. For further details on these exclusive campsites, please contact the park.

There are 14 built campsites at the nearby Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area, all tucked into the woods and offering stunning views of the Sacramento River. Every camping spot has a picnic table, grill, and easy access to clean showers and flush toilets.

Address: 12105 River Rd, Chico, CA 95973, United States

Open: 24 hours

Phone: +1 530-342-5185

Management: California State Parks

Area: 141 ha

Established: 1979

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  • Mark Tony

    I'm an avid traveler and storyteller with an insatiable passion for exploring the world's hidden gems. Join me on a virtual journey as I weave tales of cultural immersion, breathtaking landscapes, and the serendipitous moments that make travel an art form. Let's embark on this adventure together, where every page is a new destination discovered.

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