See what Northern California looked like before it was California. The vast Central Valley was made up of wetlands and riparian forests that served as a home to diverse wildlife. The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex is made up of a bunch of protected lands totaling 35,000 acres, all located north of Sacramento. Two of the refuges– Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge and Colusa National Wildlife Refuge have auto tours. These two auto tours are the perfect activity for a rainy day. Learn more about these Northern California wildlife auto tours!
The Wildlife Refuges are located in what is called the Pacific Flyway– a major migratory route for birds.
Oftentimes the best time to visit is on rainy or overcast days, making a cars-only tour ideal.
The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge is located off of Interstate 5, north of Wiliams and south of Willows.
To enter, visitors need to register on the refuge’s website and pay the $6 fee. From there, there are clear markers directing you to the auto tour.
Visitors can enjoy a six-mile auto tour with viewing areas along the way.
Six miles doesn't sound like much but since drivers are moving very slowly and stopping often to see all the birds, this tour can take about an hour.
Along the trail, there are outlets where cars can pull in to sit and view the birds.
At one point on the auto trail, there is a small parking area and a raised platform from where you can look out and view the expansive refuge.
You won’t have to try hard to see ducks, geese, herons, and even birds of prey such as hawks.
The luckiest visitors might spot bald eagles and even coyotes. That’s right! This trail isn’t just for birders– visitors have a chance to see mammals, too.
No matter what time of year you visit, there is so much wildlife in this refuge.
To get an idea of what you might see on your visit, check out the refuge’s “Seasons of Wildlife” guide and checklist.
The auto tour goes in a loop around the refuge. It ends at the entrance where there is a visitor center.
Inside, guests can learn about the local habitat and view displays of native species. On warm days, consider exploring the refuge on the walking trail.
About a 30-minute drive away, just outside the town of Colusa, is the Colusa National Wildlife Refuge.
At the entrance of the refuge, visitors will find parking, restrooms, an information kiosk, and picnic tables.
The auto trail in Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is 3 miles.
It is open year-round, and just like at the Sacramento refuge, visitors must stay in their cars at all times.
The largest number of wintering ducks and geese can be seen here in December and January.
The second best time to go is September through March when thousands of birds can be seen. But no matter when you visit the Colusa refuge you can see all sorts of wildlife.
Always check the conditions of the wildlife refuges before visiting. As of writing, the Colusa Refuge’s auto trail is temporarily closed due to flooding, but the Sacramento Refuge auto trail is open. The auto tours are open one hour before sunrise and close one hour after sunset.
Keep in mind that portions of both the Sacramento and Colusa Refuges are open to the public for waterfowl hunting. During waterfowl hunting season, the refuges are open to hunters on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. The refuge considers hunting, in some instances, beneficial to “sound wildlife management”.
So the next time it’s a rainy day, or if you just want to experience nature from your car, consider these two Northern California wildlife auto tours. Make a game out of spotting birds and crossing them off a list.
Stop for a bite to eat and explore some of the cute little farm towns along the way to the refuges. Granzella's in Williams serves elevated Italian deli-style food in two differently-styled restaurants under one roof. They also have a gift shop, plus an espresso bar. We always stop here for a sandwich, an espresso, and a jar of local olives to take home. The charming farm town of Colusa, right next to the Colusa refuge, is a sweet little town. Visit Colusa Levee Scenic Park then have a drink at Slough House Social, right on the Sacramento River.
Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge and Colusa National Wildlife Refuges are just two of the five National Wildlife Refuges, plus three Wildlife Management Areas, that make up the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex. To see a list of all the refuges, plus directions, and visitor information (some require reservations), visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website and scroll down to see the list.
Tell us, have you done these auto tours?
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