Colusa National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful natural area in California that covers over 11,000 acres of wetlands, grasslands, and forests.


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Summary

The refuge is located in the Sacramento Valley, near the town of Colusa, and is a popular destination for birdwatchers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts.

One of the main reasons to visit Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is for its diverse wildlife. The refuge is home to over 240 species of birds, including ducks, geese, swans, and many endangered species like the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and California black rail. Visitors can also spot deer, coyotes, bobcats, and other mammals in the area.

Some points of interest to see at the refuge include the wildlife viewing areas, hiking trails, and guided nature tours. There are several viewing platforms and observation decks where visitors can watch birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The hiking trails offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Sutter Buttes, the world's smallest mountain range.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that Colusa National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1945 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge's wetlands are fed by the Sacramento River and provide vital habitat for many species of waterfowl.

The best time of year to visit Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is during the winter months, from November to February. During this time, thousands of migratory birds flock to the area, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers. The refuge is open year-round, but some areas may be closed during hunting season from October to January.

Overall, Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in wildlife and the outdoors. With its diverse wildlife, stunning scenery, and educational programs, it's no wonder why so many people visit this beautiful refuge each year.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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