River Bend Park

Natural Beauty

Right next to the American River, River Bend Park spans an impressive 444 acres and stands as one of Sacramento's oldest county parks. This park offers a mix of natural environments for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Wander through the park's diverse landscape of riparian habitats, oak woodlands, and open grassland areas - all home to a surprising amount of wildlife. If you're lucky (and quiet), you might catch wild turkeys strutting their stuff or spot deer grazing peacefully among young oak trees. Keep your eyes peeled for coyotes, rabbits, ground squirrels, and a variety of birds soaring overhead - from majestic hawks to industrious woodpeckers. It's a surprisingly wildlife-rich area not far from the city.

Trails & Getting Around

A long central road runs parallel to the river, connecting you to all the park has to offer. If you're cycling the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, River Bend makes for an ideal pit stop, accessible via the Harold Richey Bicycle Bridge from William B. Pond Park.

Take a moment on that bridge - the views of the American River are absolutely worth pausing for. Whether you prefer paved paths or more rugged terrain, the extensive trail network accommodates hiking, biking, or horseback riding. There's plenty of parking available, including overflow lots that come in handy during those busy weekend rushes.

River Fun

The American River is really the star of the show here, with several spots where you can get close to the water. There's a designated swimming area that works well for kids, however you should be aware that the current can pick up speed in certain sections.

Many visitors use River Bend as their launching point or final destination for rafting trips, while others bring kayaks or fishing gear to enjoy the river at a slower pace. Just a heads-up: the riverfront is more rocky than sandy, so water shoes are a good idea if you're planning to wade in.

Picnic Paradise

Scattered around the park, you can find numerous picnic areas complete with tables and BBQ grills - meant for everything from casual lunches to full-on family gatherings. Some are positioned right by the water, while others sit a bit further back.

The abundance of trees provides welcome shade during those scorching Sacramento summer days, however in some sections, tree loss has left a few spots more exposed to the sun than they once were.

Learning in Nature

Beyond recreation, River Bend is a natural classroom through its River Bend Outdoor Educational Site. This special 10-acre area transforms into an outdoor STEM laboratory where students connect with nature while learning about science and environmental concepts.

It's pretty amazing to see kids who might normally be glued to screens become completely absorbed in exploring ecosystems and understanding the natural world around them.

Good to Know

The park welcomes visitors year-round from 6:30AM to 7:30PM, with a $7 parking fee. You'll discover clean restrooms near the main parking areas and portable toilets scattered around the smaller lots.

Your four-legged friends are welcome too, but need to stay on leash, with convenient waste stations available throughout the grounds. Whether you're looking for a quick nature walk, a full day of river activities, or simply to watch wildlife in a tranquil setting, River Bend Park offers a natural retreat just minutes from Sacramento.