Updated February 19, 2025, 3:50pm
Alerts
Read the Final Environmental Assessment, Finding of No Significant Impact, and Compatibility Determinations for the Big Notch Project Special Use Permit on our News page.
Closed due to Flooding:
- Sutter Spring Trails
- Sacramento River NWR:
- Pine Creek Unit is closed due to flood damage.
- Capay Unit: County Road 23 is closed east of the levee.
Public road closures happen at the county level, so we recommend reviewing those websites to understand what roads are open or closed based on where you are and where you're trying to go (our refuges and units are spread across Glenn, Colusa, Sutter, Butte, and Tehama counties).
Open*:
- Sacramento NWR Auto Tour and Trails
- Colusa NWR Auto Tour, Trail and Observation Platform
- Logan Creek Spring Trails (Sacramento NWR), open February 15 - June 30
- Llano Seco Unit (S. Thompson NCV WMA) Trail and Platform
*Use extreme caution as flooding can occur without warning and road shoulders are soft and will not support your vehicle. Areas are subject to closure without notice.
Before calling the refuge for updates, please review this section of our website or our social media pages. When known, new information will be posted here and to our Facebook Page and Instagram immediately.
Visit Us
Welcome to Colusa National Wildlife Refuge!
Colusa NWR offers a Visitor Area with a Restroom and Information Kiosk, Observation Deck, Observation Walkway, Auto Tour, Trail, Photography Blind (by reservation only), limited Bicycling and Hunting.
There are LOTS of recreational opportunities across the Complex, including a Visitor Center, Auto Tours, trails, bicycling, photography, hunting and environmental education.
VISIT US! <-- CLICK HERE....
to find all the information you need to PLAN YOUR VISIT, like recreational opportunities, what to expect, hours and directions, accessibility, passes and permits, rules and policies, local and contact information. Or jump straight to your favorite activity using these quick links:
VISITOR CENTERAUTO TOURSTRAILSBICYCLINGPHOTOGRAPHYHUNTING-WATERFOWLHunting-RiverMAPS, DIRECTIONS + BROCHURESENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Colusa National Wildlife is one of the 5 National Wildlife Refuges and 3 Wildlife Management Areas that make up the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex:
Location and Contact Information
About Us
Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is part of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex. It is located about 70 miles north of the metropolitan area of Sacramento and one mile southwest of the town of Colusa in Colusa County. The refuge consists of 5,077 acres consisting primarily of wetlands, with some grasslands and riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian habitats.
Click on the link below to learn more about us!
What We Do
- Resource Management
To help plants and wildlife, Refuge staff uses a variety of habitat management techniques to maintain, recover or enhance plant and wildlife values. Refuge staff carefully consider any management techniques and employ them in varying degrees according to the situation.
- Conservation and Partnerships
The Complex is involved in many conservation endeavors, including Comprehensive Conservation Plans, Private Landowner Programs, and the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act.
Click on the link below to learn more about what we do!
Our Organization
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997:The NWRS Improvement Act defines a unifying mission for all refuges, including a process for determining compatible uses on refuges, and requiring that each refuge be managed according to a CCP. The NWRS Improvement Act expressly states that wildlife conservation is the priority of System lands and that the Secretary shall ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of refuge lands are maintained. Each refuge must be managed to fulfill the specific purposes for which the refuge was established and the System mission. The first priority of each refuge is to conserve, manage, and if needed, restore fish and wildlife populations and habitats according to its purpose.
Our Species
Colusa NWR regularly supports peak wintering populations of over 150,000 ducks and 60,000 geese. Thousands of waterfowl are present from September through March. Peak populations occur in December and January. Many birds including nesting wood ducks and mammals can be seen year-round.
Click on the link below to learn more about our Seasons of Wildlife, Wildlife Checklist, Wildlife Surveys, and Our Species....