Sacramento Refugewinter wildlife
Duck and goose numbers peak across the Sacramento NWR Complex in November and December (a complex-wide statement, not a count for this refuge's auto tour), per the Fish and Wildlife Service (Nov 1–Dec 31). No official report yet this season.
Right now in Sacramento Refuge · September
- Waterfowl present on Sacramento NWR (September through April) · Sep–Apr
34days to the next winter wildlife seasonNov 1–Dec 31, local timing
Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Seasonal Trails open (February 15 – June 30)Feb–Jun
- Spring shorebirds on the mudflats as ducks and geese leave (March to May)Mar–May
- Bicycles allowed on the auto tour (May 15 – August 15)May–Aug
- Summer heat in the 90s and 100s; most water gone (June to August)Jun–Aug
- Waterfowl present on Sacramento NWR (September through April)NowSep–Apr
- Duck and goose numbers peak across the Sacramento NWR Complex (November and December)Nov–Dec
Where to watch
- Sacramento NWR Auto Tour and observation deckA 6-mile, one-way drive from the visitor center, open year-round from 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset; stay in your vehicle except at the 3 Park-and-Stretch areas. A multi-level observation deck with a restroom sits about halfway round. Entrance fee required.
- Wetland Walk2 miles of trails from the visitor center through wetlands, vernal pools and riparian habitat, open year-round from 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset; the north loop is wheelchair accessible.
Sacramento Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento NWR: Species (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento NWR Complex: Auto Tours, Trails & Bicycling (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge?
Duck and goose numbers peak across the Sacramento NWR Complex in November and December (a complex-wide statement, not a count for this refuge's auto tour), per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Nov 1–Dec 31. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 34 days (Nov 1–Dec 31, local timing).
Is there a fee?
Only for the Sacramento NWR Auto Tour: a 1-day pass is $6 and an annual pass $12, bought digitally on Recreation.gov. A current Federal Duck Stamp or America the Beautiful pass also works.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. On the auto tour dogs stay in the vehicle, except at Park-and-Stretch areas where they must be leashed; on trails and in parking lots, use a leash no longer than 6 feet.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento NWR Complex: Auto Tours, Trails & Bicycling ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I get out and walk along the auto tour?
No. Walking along the auto tour is prohibited; the refuge asks you to use your vehicle as a viewing blind so the birds stay calm. You can get out only at the Park-and-Stretch areas.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento NWR Complex: Auto Tours, Trails & Bicycling ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What should I bring?
Your own drinking water: there is no potable water on the auto tour or the Wetland Walk. Winter can bring dense fog or blustery winds to the Sacramento Valley.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento NWR Complex: Auto Tours, Trails & Bicycling ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge?
Sacramento NWR Auto Tour and observation deck: a 6-mile, one-way drive from the visitor center, open year-round from 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset; stay in your vehicle except at the 3 Park-and-Stretch areas. A multi-level observation deck with a restroom sits about halfway round. Entrance fee required.; Wetland Walk: 2 miles of trails from the visitor center through wetlands, vernal pools and riparian habitat, open year-round from 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset; the north loop is wheelchair accessible..
What is Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Duck and goose numbers peak across the Sacramento NWR Complex (November and December) (Nov–Dec), Waterfowl present on Sacramento NWR (September through April) (Sep–Apr), Spring shorebirds on the mudflats as ducks and geese leave (March to May) (Mar–May), Seasonal Trails open (February 15 – June 30) (Feb–Jun), Bicycles allowed on the auto tour (May 15 – August 15) (May–Aug) and Summer heat in the 90s and 100s; most water gone (June to August) (Jun–Aug).