Bird's eye view of the park

William B. Ide Adobe SHP

## Overview

The Sacramento River Bend Area is a valuable historic and natural resource
that presents many recreational and educational opportunities. From the lush
riparian areas surrounding the Sacramento River and it's tributaries to the
expanse of the rolling hills of blue oak savannah, the Sacramento River Bend
Area offers diverse habitat for bald eagles, osprey, migratory and song birds,
deer, and salmon. The area also offers numerous recreation opportunities for
hunting, camping, hiking, boating, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

## Trails

Most attractions along the river can be reached by foot, mountain bike or
horseback.

## Wildflowers

This area offers amazing wildflowers viewing in the spring. The rolling hills
of this oak woodland are carpeted with purple and yellow in all directions.

## Boating Access

The Sacramento River (from Balls Ferry to Red Bluff) is served by a variety of
developed boat ramps and primitive river access sites. Public boat ramps are
available at Balls Ferry, Bend Bridge Park, and Lake Red Bluff Recreation
Area. Jelly's Ferry, Barge Hole, and Perry Riffle (walk in only) offer
primitive launch sites. The boat ramp at Reading Island can be used by small
watercraft, but is usually overgrown with vegetation during the summer months
making it challenging for any watercraft. Please see the Sacramento River Bend
Area map for specific locations and directions.

## Paynes Creek Wetlands

Concerns have increased in recent years over population declines of migratory
bird species that breed in North America and winter south of the United States
- Neotropical Migratory Birds. The BLM recognizes this problem and has created
the Payne's Creek Wetlands with the help of partners like California Fish and
Game, Bureau of Reclamation, California Wildlife Conservation Board, and Ducks
Unlimited in an effort to enhance populations of these birds and other
species. The BLM manages this wetland area, located along the Pacific Flyway,
to protect and enhance the existing riparian habitat and wildlife communities,
as well as provide for recreational use, cultural and natural interpretation,
and educational opportunities.

Download the Birds of Bend Brochure to discover all the birds that frequent
the area.

## Camping

Although there are no developed BLM campgrounds in this area, camping is
allowed on most BLM lands for up to 14 days per calendar year. Day-use sites
such as the Jelly's Ferry site, the mouth of Inks Creek, and the Bass Pond
parking areas are closed to camping. Group camping is available at the Reading
Island Group Campground, under a special use permit issued by the BLM.
Massacre Flat is a popular primitive campsite for boaters. The state managed
Battle Creek and Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Areas are closed to camping. There
is no garbage collection in most of the area so if you PACK IT IN please PACK
IT OUT.

## Hunting

Most BLM lands are open to hunting under California Department of Fish and
Game regulations. Some sites such as Reading Island and the state managed
Battle Creek Wildlife Area are closed to hunting and shooting. Be courteous to
private property owners adjacent to public land. Remember, it is against State
law to discharge a weapon within 150 yards of a dwelling or outbuilding.
Target shooting is prohibited with the exception of one designated target
shooting area along Spring Branch Road. Please remove all shells and debris to
keep your public lands clean and safe.

## Safety Concerns

• The Sacramento River water is cold (45°-50°) year-round and is deceptively
swift and powerful.

• Always wear an approved floatation device when on the river.

• The Yana Trail fords Inks Creek and is impassible at times of wet weather.
Contact the BLM Redding Field Office prior to a wet weather hike on the Yana
Trail.

• Rattlesnakes are a common sight on warm days. Watch your step.

• Summer temperatures in this area can exceed 100°F and there is no potable
water available in the area, so bring plenty of drinking water.

<h2>Overview</h2>

<p>The Sacramento River Bend Area is a valuable historic and natural resource that presents many recreational and educational opportunities. From the lush riparian areas surrounding the Sacramento River and it's tributaries to the expanse of the rolling hills of blue oak savannah, the Sacramento River Bend Area offers diverse habitat for bald eagles, osprey, migratory and song birds, deer, and salmon. The area also offers numerous recreation opportunities for hunting, camping, hiking, boating, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.</p>

<h2>Trails</h2>

<p>Most attractions along the river can be reached by foot, mountain bike or horseback.</p>

<h2>Wildflowers</h2>

<p>This area offers amazing wildflowers viewing in the spring. The rolling hills of this oak woodland are carpeted with purple and yellow in all directions.</p>

<h2>Boating Access</h2>

<p>The Sacramento River (from Balls Ferry to Red Bluff) is served by a variety of developed boat ramps and primitive river access sites. Public boat ramps are available at Balls Ferry, Bend Bridge Park, and Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area. Jelly's Ferry, Barge Hole, and Perry Riffle (walk in only) offer primitive launch sites. The boat ramp at Reading Island can be used by small watercraft, but is usually overgrown with vegetation during the summer months making it challenging for any watercraft. Please see the Sacramento River Bend Area map for specific locations and directions.</p>

<h2>Paynes Creek Wetlands</h2>

<p>Concerns have increased in recent years over population declines of migratory bird species that breed in North America and winter south of the United States - Neotropical Migratory Birds. The BLM recognizes this problem and has created the Payne's Creek Wetlands with the help of partners like California Fish and Game, Bureau of Reclamation, California Wildlife Conservation Board, and Ducks Unlimited in an effort to enhance populations of these birds and other species. The BLM manages this wetland area, located along the Pacific Flyway, to protect and enhance the existing riparian habitat and wildlife communities, as well as provide for recreational use, cultural and natural interpretation, and educational opportunities.</p>

<p>Download the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/docs/2021-12/Birds_of_Bend_Brochure_508.pdf" rel="nofollow">Birds of Bend Brochure</a> to discover all the birds that frequent the area.</p>

<h2>Camping</h2>

<p>Although there are no developed BLM campgrounds in this area, camping is allowed on most BLM lands for up to 14 days per calendar year. Day-use sites such as the Jelly's Ferry site, the mouth of Inks Creek, and the Bass Pond parking areas are closed to camping. Group camping is available at the Reading Island Group Campground, under a special use permit issued by the BLM. Massacre Flat is a popular primitive campsite for boaters. The state managed Battle Creek and Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Areas are closed to camping. There is no garbage collection in most of the area so if you PACK IT IN please PACK IT OUT.</p>

<h2>Hunting</h2>

<p>Most BLM lands are open to hunting under California Department of Fish and Game regulations. Some sites such as Reading Island and the state managed Battle Creek Wildlife Area are closed to hunting and shooting. Be courteous to private property owners adjacent to public land. Remember, it is against State law to discharge a weapon within 150 yards of a dwelling or outbuilding. Target shooting is prohibited with the exception of one designated target shooting area along Spring Branch Road. Please remove all shells and debris to keep your public lands clean and safe.</p>

<h2>Safety Concerns</h2>

<p>• The Sacramento River water is cold (45°-50°) year-round and is deceptively swift and powerful.</p>

<p>• Always wear an approved floatation device when on the river.</p>

<p>• The Yana Trail fords Inks Creek and is impassible at times of wet weather. Contact the BLM Redding Field Office prior to a wet weather hike on the Yana Trail.</p>

<p>• Rattlesnakes are a common sight on warm days. Watch your step.</p>

<p>• Summer temperatures in this area can exceed 100°F and there is no potable water available in the area, so bring plenty of drinking water.</p>

## Overview

Reading Island Group Campground is located on the beautiful Sacramento River
in Shasta County, California. The campground has one group site that can
accommodate up to 20 campers, has one vault toilet, fire rings, and picnic
tables. There is easy access to the Sacramento River with informal access
areas along the shore and a concrete boat ramp where campers can enjoy
swimming, paddling, and fishing. The campground is nearby to many other
recreational experiences in Tehama and Shasta Counties such as - trails,
wildflowers, wildlife, multi-day floats, more.

## Recreation

Paddling, fishing, and hiking are popular activities along the Sacramento
River. The campground has informal river access points, while the day-use area
has a concrete boat launch ideal for kayaks, canoes, and rafts. Multi-day
floats on the Sacramento River are popular, using Reading Island as an
overnight stop. The island has a short system of informal hiking trail to be
explored on foot. Birding and other wildlife viewing activities are great
here. The greater Sacramento River Bend Recreation Area offers more recreation
opportunities including equestrian friendly trails, wildflower viewing,
waterfowl hunting in wetlands, and an undeveloped shooting range - all within
a 30 minute drive.

## Facilities

The Reading Island Group Campground contains fire rings, picnic tables, and a
vault toilet. The area is generally flat with room for 20 campers. There is
ample vehicle and RV parking at the group area, but no hook-ups for water,
electricity, or sewer. Adjacent to the area is a boat ramp into Anderson Creek
Slough that flows into the Sacramento River. This ramp is ideal for canoes,
kayaks, and rafts; however, the slough can be difficult to navigate with
motorboats during the summer months when plant life becomes thick on the
surface of the slough. The downstream tip of the island offers a fair landing
site, but is ½ mile from the parking area. There are short dirt trails around
the island to explore on foot.

## Natural Features

Reading Island is a lush riparian island located between the Sacramento River
and Anderson Creek Slough. The surrounding area is made up of the rolling
hills of blue oak savanna with a diverse habitat for bald eagles, osprey,
migratory and song birds, deer, and salmon.

## Nearby Attractions

Sacramento River Bend Recreation Area has a diverse network of river access,
trails, and parking areas. Horseback riding, hunting, target shooting,
birding, and wildflower viewing are all very popular in the area. More
information and a map can be found on the **BLM website**.

Redding offers hundreds of non-motorized multi-use trails including paved
paths and singletrack dirt, many optimized for downhill mountain biking. Find
out more on the **Visit Redding website** .

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area: Fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking.
More information on the **Park Service website**.

Cottonwood and Anderson, CA: Small towns with dining and shopping options.

Redding, CA: Large town with an airport, hospitals, dining and shopping at
larger box-stores.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Reading Island Group Campground is located on the beautiful Sacramento River in Shasta County, California. The campground has one group site that can accommodate up to 20 campers, has one vault toilet, fire rings, and picnic tables. There is easy access to the Sacramento River with informal access areas along the shore and a concrete boat ramp where campers can enjoy swimming, paddling, and fishing. The campground is nearby to many other recreational experiences in Tehama and Shasta Counties such as - trails, wildflowers, wildlife, multi-day floats, more.</p><h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Paddling, fishing, and hiking are popular activities along the Sacramento River. The campground has informal river access points, while the day-use area has a concrete boat launch ideal for kayaks, canoes, and rafts. Multi-day floats on the Sacramento River are popular, using Reading Island as an overnight stop. The island has a short system of informal hiking trail to be explored on foot. Birding and other wildlife viewing activities are great here. The greater Sacramento River Bend Recreation Area offers more recreation opportunities including equestrian friendly trails, wildflower viewing, waterfowl hunting in wetlands, and an undeveloped shooting range - all within a 30 minute drive.</p><h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The Reading Island Group Campground contains fire rings, picnic tables, and a vault toilet. The area is generally flat with room for 20 campers. There is ample vehicle and RV parking at the group area, but no hook-ups for water, electricity, or sewer. Adjacent to the area is a boat ramp into Anderson Creek Slough that flows into the Sacramento River. This ramp is ideal for canoes, kayaks, and rafts; however, the slough can be difficult to navigate with motorboats during the summer months when plant life becomes thick on the surface of the slough. The downstream tip of the island offers a fair landing site, but is ½ mile from the parking area. There are short dirt trails around the island to explore on foot.</p><h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Reading Island is a lush riparian island located between the Sacramento River and Anderson Creek Slough. The surrounding area is made up of the rolling hills of blue oak savanna with a diverse habitat for bald eagles, osprey, migratory and song birds, deer, and salmon. </p>
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Sacramento River Bend Recreation Area has a diverse network of river access, trails, and parking areas. Horseback riding, hunting, target shooting, birding, and wildflower viewing are all very popular in the area. More information and a map can be found on the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/sacramento-river-bend-area" rel="nofollow"><strong>BLM website</strong></a>. </p><p>Redding offers hundreds of non-motorized multi-use trails including paved paths and singletrack dirt, many optimized for downhill mountain biking. Find out more on the <a href="https://visitredding.com/get-outside/trails/" rel="nofollow"><strong>Visit Redding website</strong></a> . </p><p>Whiskeytown National Recreation Area: Fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking. More information on the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/whis/index.htm" rel="nofollow"><strong>Park Service website</strong></a>. </p><p>Cottonwood and Anderson, CA: Small towns with dining and shopping options.</p><p>Redding, CA: Large town with an airport, hospitals, dining and shopping at larger box-stores.</p>

Area under tree with picnic tables, fire ring, informational kiosk, and space to set up tents

Reading Island Group Camping Area

View from Campsite of Sacramento River Side Channel

Parking area/driving loop, toilet, and edge of camping area

View of Sacramento River from Trail

Sacramento River Access at Camp Site

Reading Island Group Campground

Photo of wildflowers in the Sacramento River Bend Area

Sacramento River Bend Area

The Sacramento River NWR was established in 1989 by the authority provided
under the Endangered Species Act, Emergency Wetlands Resources Act, and the
Fish and Wildlife Act. Units are located along both sides of the river and
serve to protect and provide a wide variety of riparian habitats for birds,
fish, and other wildlife.

The Sacramento Valley is an extensive agricultural area that was once
characterized by diverse types of natural vegetation that provided habitat for
a great number of plant and animal species. There has been an 85 percent
reduction of riparian vegetation throughout the Sacramento Valley and
foothills region, and probably in excess of a 95 percent reduction along this
area. The refuge is one of many partners protecting and restoring riparian
habitat along the Sacramento River and its watershed.

The refuge is managed to maintain, enhance and restore habitats. Refuge lands
comprise 10,353 acres of riparian habitat, wetlands, uplands, and intensively
managed walnut orchards. Many of the units have been restored by converting
flood-prone agricultural lands into riparian habitats in cooperation with The
Nature Conservancy, River Partners, and many other cooperating partners.
Riparian habitats on the refuge can be broken down into several different
specific types including grassland/savannahs, forests, scrub, oxbow wetlands,
and gravel bars.

The riparian habitat along the Sacramento River is critically important for
fish, migratory birds, plants, and river system health. It provides shelter
for many songbirds and water-associated animals, including the river otter,
turtles, beaver, American pelicans, ospreys, and migratory songbirds. Several
threatened, endangered, and sensitive species can be found on the refuge
including Chinook salmon, Valley elderberry longhorn beetle, yellow-billed
cuckoos, Swainson's hawks, and bank swallows.

Twenty-four of the units are partially or entirely open for the public. Each
unit has various public access and recreational uses. Check the unit's
brochure or specific boundaries, rules, and regulations. Seven of the units
have access from parking areas and hiking trails (Rio Vista, Pine Creek,
Capay, Ord Bend, Sul Norte, Drumheller, and Packer). One unit (Bogg's Bend)
has access via a parking area on adjacent California Department of Fish and
Wildlife property. During the spring (March, April, and May), riparian areas
can be abundant with migratory songbirds. Twenty-one of the units are open for
hunting. The Packer Unit has an access point for bank fishing and small boat
access to Packer Lake.

Each of the refuge's 30 units varies in its visitor opportunities. Seven units
are accessible by vehicle and offer maintained hiking trails, fourteen units
are accessible only by boat, and seven units are closed to public use. Those
units that are open to public use are for day use only, and are open 2 hours
before sunrise to 1 1/2 hours after sunset. Hunting and fishing are permitted
under specific regulations on some of the units. Click here for maps and
Visitor Information on the Sacramento River NWR Units**.**

<p>The Sacramento River NWR was established in 1989 by the authority provided under the Endangered Species Act, Emergency Wetlands Resources Act, and the Fish and Wildlife Act. Units are located along both sides of the river and serve to protect and provide a wide variety of riparian habitats for birds, fish, and other wildlife.</p><p>The Sacramento Valley is an extensive agricultural area that was once characterized by diverse types of natural vegetation that provided habitat for a great number of plant and animal species. There has been an 85 percent reduction of riparian vegetation throughout the Sacramento Valley and foothills region, and probably in excess of a 95 percent reduction along this area. The refuge is one of many partners protecting and restoring riparian habitat along the Sacramento River and its watershed.</p><p>The refuge is managed to maintain, enhance and restore habitats. Refuge lands comprise 10,353 acres of riparian habitat, wetlands, uplands, and intensively managed walnut orchards. Many of the units have been restored by converting flood-prone agricultural lands into riparian habitats in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy, River Partners, and many other cooperating partners. Riparian habitats on the refuge can be broken down into several different specific types including grassland/savannahs, forests, scrub, oxbow wetlands, and gravel bars.</p><p>The riparian habitat along the Sacramento River is critically important for fish, migratory birds, plants, and river system health. It provides shelter for many songbirds and water-associated animals, including the river otter, turtles, beaver, American pelicans, ospreys, and migratory songbirds. Several threatened, endangered, and sensitive species can be found on the refuge including Chinook salmon, Valley elderberry longhorn beetle, yellow-billed cuckoos, Swainson's hawks, and bank swallows.</p><p>Twenty-four of the units are partially or entirely open for the public. Each unit has various public access and recreational uses. Check the unit's brochure or specific boundaries, rules, and regulations. Seven of the units have access from parking areas and hiking trails (Rio Vista, Pine Creek, Capay, Ord Bend, Sul Norte, Drumheller, and Packer). One unit (Bogg's Bend) has access via a parking area on adjacent California Department of Fish and Wildlife property. During the spring (March, April, and May), riparian areas can be abundant with migratory songbirds. Twenty-one of the units are open for hunting. The Packer Unit has an access point for bank fishing and small boat access to Packer Lake.</p><p>Each of the refuge's 30 units varies in its visitor opportunities. Seven units are accessible by vehicle and offer maintained hiking trails, fourteen units are accessible only by boat, and seven units are closed to public use. Those units that are open to public use are for day use only, and are open 2 hours before sunrise to 1 1/2 hours after sunset.  Hunting and fishing are permitted under specific regulations on some of the units. Click here for <a href="https://fws.gov/node/264973" rel="nofollow">maps and Visitor Information on the Sacramento River NWR Units</a><strong>.</strong></p>

Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge

William B. Ide Adobe SHP

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Nearby Parks

Sacramento River Bend Area

Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge