Sacramento River in California

Trip Overview

We stayed at Hidden Harbor Marina & R.V. Park in Los Molinos. The owners of the park (Dwayne & Jan) were very informative, friendly and accomodating. They arranged for someone to ride up to Red Bluff with us, where we put in at the diversion dam in Discovery Center, the driver returned our truck to our campsite (take-out).

There is a ramp which makes it easy to get on the river. The current averaged about 4.5 mph and a few times it was about 8 mph in the riffles. Enough to make the trip fast and easy, but not dangerous if you pay attention to snags and shallow water.

The birding along this stretch is fantastic. Eight Bald Eagles, Blue Herons, Kingfishers, egrets and a cast of thousands.

This is pretty much uninhabited riparian habitat. This run is 13 miles which took 3 hr moving, but there are several large gravel / sand bars to stop and explore. Pack a lunch. The river flow varies with weather and water released from Shasta Dam

Accommodations:

Older RV Park, caters to fishing and some RV clubs. Also interested in wildlife viewing. Park is clean, but old. Not a state-of-the-art-resort. We had full hookups right on the river's edge.

Fees:

Full hookup RV = $30/night.

Free day use and boat ramp at Tehama County park next door to the RV park.

Directions:

I-5 to Red Bluff to the put in at Discovery Center.

The RV Park and Marina are on Hidden Harbor Drive off Vina-Tehama Road in Los Molinos.