cosumnes river preserve

This is a beautiful place to go even if the sandhill cranes aren't there. It's even better when they are. The visitors center is very nice. Well worth the trip and it's right off of Rte 5, so very convenient too.

I brought my 18 month old here to look at birds and take advantage of the weather. It was a gorgeous day and a great walk. The paths are very well maintained aside from bird poop but you can't really help that. I kept my boy in his stroller 95% of the time because there isn't much room on the sides of the boardwalk path so I do suggest that with small children.

Saw the large cranes plus 36 others. Visiting with knowledgable friends who made it even more interesting. They had a "scope" for close-ups. Nice walking trail.

We arrived at 7:30AM and found the Sand Hill cranes doing their mating dances by jumping up and down and spreading their wings to impress the females. They took off about 9:30AM. There were many species of waterfowl there. Call the refuge before going to see cranes. They are usually there in October and November.

My wife and I like exercise walk here since it's so quiet and secluded any never crowded when we go. There are numerous heritage oaks you don't see that often anymore in the valley. The interpretive center is great and helps identify the different birds of prey and waterfowl that live there year round. My only complaints would be it can get pretty muddy after a good rain.

The parking lots were full of people with bird scopes, binoculars, cameras, kayaks, fishing poles, bicycles, etc. to take in the experience of the uniquely beautiful and tranquil spot. The visitor's center was full of information and friendly people with information on the best places to go to find what you are looking for. The boardwalk style pathways are the perfect place to stroll and watch the multitude of different wildlife in the area. The roadways are just as nice, with all sorts of opportunities to pull over and get a closer look or a photo of the birds. We came to see the sandhill cranes in particular, but were pleased to see all sorts of other birds as well. We'll definitely be back.

during the summer in the midst of the drought, there are still many things to see despite the complete lack of water fowl. my wife and I took the river walk and saw deer, rabbits and quite a few birds of various species. Hot. Bring your own water. and definitely bring your camera.

I'm not a "bird person", can barely tell a sparrow from a bluebird let alone name all the different kinds of ducks and geese, but give me any excuse to get outdoors into nature with the promise of a good walk and I'm all in. Total about 5 miles of trails, and that's if you do every single foot path. All flat and easy walking, lots of nice spots to rest or picnic with benches and views. Be sure to do the boardwalk out into/over the pond areas near the Visitor Center. Bring camera, and binoculars if you have them. So many birds, especially November to March, winter seasonal fly way. Check their website for scheduled activities to take part in. Also check the tide tables if you plan to kayak or canoe the river, so you aren't stuck in mud. Excellent spot to watch the sunset any time of the year!

I LOVE this place! There are relatively few people here at any one time so there are few crowded days. It is quite and beautiful and calming. I recommend bringing small lunch and make a day of it. The best trail is the "water" trail so you will need to bring your canoe or small boat.

lovely walks on trails and a boardwalk. Bring your binoculars to see the birds. Visitor's center helpful for trip here and to find out about other birding sites

Fine spot to take pictures of migreating birds. Cranes are a special treat as they fly in to nest for the night.

The birds are the main reason to go here but the museum is nice and underused. Flat tail thru the preserve to maintain the wetlands.

Nice boat launch -- bring wheels as the dock is about 100 yards from parking area. Area around preserve is great place to see sandhill cranes in the winter. Nice boardwalks and trails to walk -- bring binoculars.

If you're a kayaker and want hours of calm, beautiful water to paddle, put in here and enjoy the riparian beauty.

A great place to see all the migrating birds. Thousands of geese, ducks, sandhill cranes, etc.