Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area is a charming park located in California, offering visitors a serene and picturesque setting.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Here is a summary highlighting the reasons to visit, notable points of interest, interesting facts, and the best time of year to plan a visit.

Reasons to Visit:
1. Scenic Beauty: Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area is nestled along the Sacramento River, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The park is abundant with lush vegetation, sprawling meadows, and awe-inspiring oak woodlands, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
2. Outdoor Activities: The park offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and picnicking. Whether you prefer a leisurely walk along the riverbank or an adventurous boat ride, Woodson Bridge has something for everyone.
3. Wildlife Watching: The park is home to an array of wildlife species, including river otters, deer, bald eagles, and various bird species. Nature lovers will have the opportunity to observe these creatures in their natural habitat.

Points of Interest:
1. Woodson Bridge: The park is named after the historic Woodson Bridge, a covered bridge dating back to 1881. This picturesque bridge not only serves as a crossing point but also adds to the park's rustic charm.
2. Sacramento River: The park's location along the Sacramento River provides ample opportunities for fishing and boating. Anglers can try their luck catching salmon, steelhead, catfish, and striped bass.
3. Interpretive Center: Woodson Bridge features an interpretive center that offers educational exhibits about the local flora, fauna, and cultural history. Visitors can learn about the region's Native American heritage and the impact of the river on the surrounding ecosystem.

Interesting Facts:
1. Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area covers approximately 350 acres and is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
2. The park was established in 1958 and has since provided visitors with access to outdoor recreational activities and a peaceful retreat.
3. Woodson Bridge is part of the larger Sacramento River Bend Area, which encompasses thousands of acres of protected land dedicated to habitat conservation.

Best Time of Year to Visit:
The ideal time to visit Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area is during the spring and autumn months when the temperatures are mild, and the foliage is vibrant. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while fall offers beautiful autumnal colors. It is important to note that summers can be hot, so planning outdoor activities during early mornings or evenings is recommended.

It is advisable to verify the information provided by cross-referencing multiple independent sources to ensure accuracy and up-to-date details.

       

Weather Forecast

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.
Related References