Location Profile: Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

Text and photos by Heather Cline 

The National Wildlife Refuge system was established in 1903 and currently manages over 500 refuges across the United States. Refuges provide a place for animals to live free of human interference and a sanctuary for endangered species. They serve to protect the environment while offering educational opportunities for visitors and generating revenue for local economies. The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR) is one such refuge in Northern California. 

What is Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge?

SNWR was established in 1937 in an attempt to balance the needs of migrating birds and local agriculture. The footprint was expanded in 1940 for a total of 35,000 acres. SNWR accounts for 10,819 of these acres and features a newly built visitor center featuring a wildlife exhibit, bookstore, and Discovery Room. Visitors can also enjoy a six-mile auto tour with 3 viewing areas and two walking trails. The Refuge is best known for migratory waterfowl. Over 300 species of birds and wildlife use the refuge, making this an excellent location to view and photograph wildlife. 

Quick Facts

• Refuge Map
• Refuge hours are sunrise to sunset.
• Visitor Center is open Thursday - Sunday 9:00 Am - 4:00 PM and is closed on federal holidays. 
• There is a seasonal 2-mile Wetland Walk 
• There are no food or gas services at the refuge, but there is a picnic area next to the visitor center. 
• There is a restroom at the visitor center and first parking lot along the auto route tour.
• The day use entrance fee is $6.00.
• Cell phone reception is generally good at the refuge. 

When is a good time to visit?

More than 600,000 ducks and 200,000 geese spend the winter in the wetlands from October through February. The best viewing months are November and December.

Where is this refuge?

The refuge is located off Highway 99, just over an hour north of Sacramento. Other nearby refugesare:

• Delevan National Wildlife Refuge (east of Maxwell)
• Colusa National Wildlife Refuge (between the towns of Colusa and Williams)
• Sutter National Wildlife Refuge (southwest of Yuba City)
• Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge (several non-contiguous sites along the Sacramento River between Red Bluff and Colusa)
• Butte Sink Wildlife Management Area (northeast of the town of Colusa)

Why should I visit?

Birding, wildlife viewing, photography, auto route and walking tour.

I hope you enjoyed this post. To see more of my SNWR images, check out the gallery here.