Bidwell–Sacramento River State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bidwell–Sacramento River State Park |
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Bidwell–Sacramento River State Park entrance sign
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 Bidwell–Sacramento River State Park
Location in California
Bidwell–Sacramento River State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Butte and Glenn Counties, California, United States |
| Nearest city | Chico, California |
| Area | 349 acres (141 ha) |
| Established | 1979 |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
Bidwell–Sacramento River State Park is a special place in California, United States. It's a state park that protects the natural areas right next to the Sacramento River and one of its smaller rivers, Big Chico Creek. This type of area, where land meets a river, is called a riparian habitat.
The park is located where Butte County and Glenn County meet. It's a great spot for outdoor fun! You can go fishing for different kinds of fish like salmon, steelhead, and shad. Many people also enjoy floating down the river on inner tubes, canoes, or kayaks. This beautiful park, which is about 349 acres big, became a state park in 1979.
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Nature's River Home
The park's river habitat is very important. It's a great example of a natural resource that is becoming rare. The river's different landscapes are very beautiful and always changing.
The plants and animals in this river area depend on each other. Huge oaks and cottonwood trees provide lots of shade. This shade helps cool-water creatures survive. Thick bushes of elderberry, wild grape, blackberry, and wild rose also grow here. These plants offer safe places for many different kinds of wildlife.
Fun Places to Explore
Bidwell–Sacramento River State Park has several areas where you can spend the day. Each spot offers unique ways to enjoy nature and the river.
Indian Fishery Day Use Area
This area has an oxbow lake, which is a U-shaped lake formed when a river changes its path. It's surrounded by oak trees. This spot is perfect for picnicking and bird watching. You can also go fishing or hiking here. It's common to see river otters swimming fast through the water. You might also spot turtles resting on a fallen tree or herons looking for food.
Big Chico Creek Day Use Area
This part of the park has lush river plants that open up to a large gravel bar. The gravel bar is right next to the Sacramento River. Here, park visitors can fish, swim, jet ski, water ski, and sunbathe. This is also a popular place for people to get out of the river after floating down on rafts or tubes.
Pine Creek Day Use Area
Pine Creek Day Use Area is a favorite spot for many activities. People come here for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. It's also a great place for picnicking. If you love watching birds and other wildlife, this area is perfect for you.
Irvine Finch River Access
This area is a 5-acre parking lot with a launch ramp. It makes it easy for park visitors to get their boats, canoes, or inner tubes into the Sacramento River. It's a convenient way to start your river adventure.
