Cosumnes River
Bureau of Land Management, California.
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.
The Cosumnes River Preserve is OPEN to the public.
Explore, learn, and experience the Cosumnes River Preserve with opportunities for guided walks, paddling, hiking, and nature viewing. The Visitor Center deck and outdoor exhibits are open to the public even when the indoor exhibit room is currently closed to in-person visits.Please Note: Dogs are NOT allowed on or off the leash at the Preserve.
No camping at the Preserve. Day-Use area only.
Visit Cosumnes River Preserve homepage at: www.cosumnes.org
Overview
The Cosumnes River Preserve is home to California's largest remaining valley oak riparian forest, and is one of the few protected wetland habitat areas in the state. The Preserve includes over 50,000 acres of central valley grasslands, vernal pools, wetlands and valley oak forests.
Nestled in the heart of California's Central Valley, the Preserve is a critical stop on the Pacific Flyway for migrating and wintering waterfowl. Over 250 species of birds have been sighted on or near the Preserve, including the State-listed threatened Swainson hawk, greater and lesser sandhill cranes, Canada geese and numerous ducks. The Cosumnes is the last free-flowing river from the mighty Sierra Nevada Mountains into the Great Central Valley.
Hunting and Shooting Info - Cosumnes River Preserve:
Hunting, fishing, and camping are not allowed at the Cosumnes River Preserve. In general, there is no hunting allowed in the core area of the Preserve because it is not compatible with our public use and wildlife protection objectives.Hunting and fishing are allowed on the river and in the sloughs, but hunters and fishermen must stay in their boats (no bank fishing/hunting). It is legal to fish or hunt from a boat in the river, in a state navigable waterway, but only during the proper seasons and with the proper licenses.
- Special scheduled hunts available by permit.
- Youth and mobility-impaired hunters contact CRP @ (916) 684-2816
- BLM Lands within the Cosumnes River Preserve ACEC boundary are CLOSED to hunting and target shooting.
NOTE: All California game species are regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Rules, regulations, and seasons are controlled by CDFW, and it is the hunter's responsibility to verify and comply with proper species, seasons, zones, regulations, and legal location if hunting on public lands.
FGC 3004 — It is unlawful for any person to hunt or discharge while hunting, any firearm or other deadly weapon within 150 yards of any occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building or any barn or other outbuilding used in connection therewith. The 150 yard area is a "Safety Zone."
Helpful Links:
- Where to Shoot
- California Department of Fish & Wildlife
- Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting on Public Lands, BLM California
More Helpful Links:
- Visit CRP Homepage: Cosumnes River Preserve
- Explore the Trails at the Preserve: River & Wetlands Trails
- Also visit BLM at: Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center
- Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office
Nearby Activities
- Day Use Area
- Environmental Education
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Interpretive Programs
- Paddling
- Photography
- Water Sports
- Wildlife Viewing
Directions
From Sacramento, take Interstate 5 south and exit at Twin Cities Road. Head east on Twin Cities Road to Franklin Boulevard, then turn south. Continue on Franklin Blvd and go past Desmond Road. The Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center is approximately a half mile south along Franklin Blvd on the left (east) side.
