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Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
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BIDWELL-SACRAMENTO RIVER STATE PARK
BIDWELL-SACRAMENTO RIVER STATE PARK
Chico, California   95926

Phone: 530-342-5185
The main activity to be enjoyed at Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park is bank or boat fishing for salmon, steelhead and shad. The next popular activity is "cruising down the river" on inner tubes, canoes, or kayaks.

This park preserves a fine example of a disappearing natural resource - the riverine habitat. The river?s various landscapes display great scenic beauty and constant change. The riparian plant and animal communities here depend strongly on each other. Massive oaks and cottonwoods give the dense shade needed for the survival of cool-water creatures. Thick understories of elderberry, wild grape, blackberry, wild rose and numerous perennials provide shelter to a diversified wildlife population. The park offers a great setting for observing and learning about the riparian community.

History of the Area
The park was established in 1975. It covers approximately 185 acres along Sacramento River's northern bank. The land originally belonged to John Bidwell, a pioneer and politician who played an important role during the Gold Rush era.

The area is known for its diverse wildlife including river otters, beavers and over 200 species of birds. In addition to this natural beauty, it also offers recreational activities such as fishing and hiking trails.

In recent years there have been efforts by local communities to preserve the park's unique ecosystem from threats like invasive plant species.


Location
Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park is located near Chico, Corning and Oroville

Day Use Area
Indian Fishery Day Use Area - Indian Fishery is an ox bow lake surrounded by a beautiful oak woodland. This is a wonderful area to picnic, bird watch, fish, hike or simply enjoy the wildlife that abounds in the ox bow lake. It is common to observe river otters darting through the water, turtles basking on a fallen tree or herons stalking a meal. Visit Indian Fishery and enjoy the grandeur of massive oaks and the rapidly disappearing river habitat.

Big Chico Creek Day Use Area - This area of the park is characterized by lush river habitat that opens up to a large gravel bar that fronts the Sacramento River. Here park visitors fish, swim, jet-ski, water-ski and sun bathe. This is also the location where many river rafts and tubes exit the river.

Pine Creek Day Use Area - Pine Creek is a popular location for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking and bird and wildlife watching. Those entering Pine Creek with a canoe or kayak can get a close look at some of the last vestiges of riparian habitat.

Irvine Finch River Access - This five acre parking lot and launch ramp affords the park visitor an easy way to access the Sacramento River for boating, canoeing or floating down the river on inner tubes.

Trails
- Indian Fishery Nature Trail: A 0.5-mile loop trail featuring a river and suitable for all skill levels.
- Pine Creek Loop: An easy, flat 1.3 miles round trip hike along the Sacramento River with views of wildlife habitats.
- Big Chico Creek to Yahi Trail Loop: This is an approximately nine mile heavily trafficked loop trail that offers scenic views and bird watching opportunities.
- North Rim Adventure Sports Trails - Upper Bidwell Park Hike : Approximately seven miles long offering beautiful wild flowers during spring season; good for hiking, running or mountain biking activities
- Monkey Face via North Rim Trial & Bartram Rock Climb - About four-and-a-half-miles-long moderate level trial providing stunning panoramic view from 'Monkey face' rock formation at its peak point
- Yahi Trail through Middle/Upper Bidwell park- Roughly six-mile-trail showcasing diverse flora fauna including oak trees, deer etc.; also features swimming holes in hot summer months
- North Valley Pond Dog Walk - Short one-third-of-a-mile walk around pond area where dogs are allowed off-leash under voice control
- Sycamore Pool Swim Area Walking Pathway - Less than half a mile pathway leading towards man-made pool within creek bed which gets filled naturally by water flow every year
- Lower Park Road Bike Ride Route - Nearly five miles bike ride route passing through picnic areas as well as Sycamore pool swim spot
- Hiking trails near Bear Hole Swimming Spot- Multiple short distance (less than two miles) trails available surrounding popular natural swimming hole known as 'Bear Hole'
- One Mile Recreation Area walking paths-Short walks less than one mile each circling playgrounds and sports fields besides nature observing spots

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Area Campgrounds
The Parkway RV Resort
6330 County Road 200
Orland, CA
530-865-9188
Almond Tree RV Park
3124 Esplanade
Chico, CA
530-899-1271
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
From Chico, take West Sacramento Ave. 5 miles until it intersects with River Road. Big Chico Creek is to the left, Indian Fishery straight ahead and Pine Creek is to the right. Irvine Finch River Access is located just west of the Hwy. 32 Sacramento River Bridge.

From I-5 take the Highway 32 exit at Orland. Irvine Finch River Access is just East of Hamilton City. To access the rest of the park proceed East on Highway 32 and turn right on River Road.

Latitude/Longitude: 39.7419 / -121.9176

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