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Northern California is a goldmine of spectacular
paddling getaways, and the Cosumnes River is one
of the best. Those who have experienced paddling
this magical river count it among their most
cherished memories. The Cosumnes River Preserve
lies nestled between Sacramento and Stockton,
before the Cosumnes River enters the delta and
flows to the Pacific Ocean. It is the last
free-flowing river from the Sierra Nevada
Mountains into the Central Valley and the only
remaining unregulated river on the western slope
of the Sierra Nevadas.
The Cosumnes River is a beautiful, natural
waterway and the central focus of the preserve.
Paddlers can enjoy a scenic glide through the
river’s sloughs and main channel, cruising along
riparian forest, oak woodland, and wetlands
teeming with wildlife. This 80-mile river can be
accessed from the preserve’s boat launch,
southwest of the Visitor Center. Park in the
upper parking lot to access the boat launch
trail.
This sprawling scenic waterway is home to
California’s largest remaining valley oak
riparian forest and is one of the few protected
wetland habitat areas in the state of
California. Paddlers can quietly glide through
the lush woodland as the meandering river winds
through a 6700-acre preserve filled with
wildlife.
The best time to observe waterfowl is during the
winter months, either at sunrise or sunset.
Exploring wildlife with a telephoto lens is a
marvelous way to photograph the many species of
birds and untold numbers of otters, beavers, and
turtles that make the Cosumnes Preserve their
home.
While California has plenty of rapids to delight
the whitewater kayaker, many rewarding
experiences can also be found paddling calmer,
flater water routes with jaw-dropping scenery.
The leisurely ,
quiet nature of flat-water kayaking also lends
itself to a wide array of wildlife viewing and
photographing.
Map of Cosumnes River
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