Updated August 12, 2025 - 4:20 PM
On-going Construction at Sacramento NWR
The entrance road, visitor center parking lot, and north-side walking trails will be under construction June 16 through mid-October. Thank you for driving slowly, following the flaggers directing traffic, and honoring any closures while this important work is completed. Read more about this project in our Press Release from Project Leader Sharon Vaughn.
CURRENTLY OPEN / CLOSED at Sacramento NWR (please watch for flaggers and redirected traffic):
- Entrance Road = OPEN
- Visitor Parking Lot (at Visitor Center) = OPEN
- Visitor Center Restrooms (building exterior) = OPEN
- Auto Tour = OPEN
- Wetland Walk Trails*: North-side (compacted gravel) = OPEN; South-side (vegetated) walking trails = OPEN; trails can be accessed from the Visitor Center Parking lot or Entrance Road Parking lot (former fee station)
- Visitor Center** = OPEN Fridays 9am-4pm, unless otherwise noted, below
*Partial Walking Trail Closure at Sacramento NWR
The North-side (compacted gravel) walking trail will be closed August 18 through mid-October while construction crews replace the walking surface. This project is expected to be completed by mid-October. The south-side vegetated walking trail will remain open.
**Temporary Closure of Visitor Center at Sacramento NWR
The Visitor Center will be closed on Friday August 22 and August 29 while our interpretive displays get installed. The bathrooms will remain open (accessed from outside the visitor center).
Upcoming CDFW + USFWS online outreach meeting regarding hunt programs
Read more on our News page for how to participate. The meeting will be August 25 from 4-6pm.
Sheep grazing at Pine Creek Unit (Sacramento River NWR)
Sheep are grazing Pine Creek unit mid-July through mid-August to help manage weeds. This is a reminder that dogs must be kept on leash and on the trail at all refuge units (see Rules and Policies). Learn more about the Complex's grazing opportunities.
Visit Us
Welcome to Sutter National Wildlife Refuge!
Sutter NWR offers limited Seasonal Trails 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
VISITOR CENTERAUTO TOURSTRAILSBICYCLINGPHOTOGRAPHYHUNTING-WATERFOWLHunting-RiverMAPS, DIRECTIONS + BROCHURESENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Sutter 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
Sutter National Wildlife Refuge is part of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex. It is located about 50 miles north of the metropolitan area of Sacramento and about 12 miles southwest of Yuba City in Sutter County. The refuge consists of about 2,591 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
Sutter NWR regularly supports peak wintering populations of over 150,000 ducks and 70,000 geese. The mixed riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian forest habitat on the refuge is also important for breeding and migrating passerine birds, and supports a large heron/egret rookery. The refuge provides habitat for several Federal and State endangered and threatened species, including giant garter snake, Chinook salmon, yellow-billed cuckoo, and Swainson's hawk.
Click on the link below to learn more about our Seasons of Wildlife, Wildlife Checklist, Wildlife Surveys, and Our Species....