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Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 289 Google reviews · Running trail in Chico, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
River activities are the highlight at this charming park known for its fishing, tubing & boating.
What runners say about Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
“The sight of that beautiful and majestic river cutting through the land makes me grateful that I live in California in the good ole U S A”
“Quiet, low level walk amongst the trees by the Sacramento River.”
While we had been hoping to enjoy birding in another state park, closer to Red Bluff, driving to Chico in Butte County was a gem. We could not tell if we had to pay as we came through the gates, and meeting up with employee where we stopped let us know, this end was free. WOW, what a deal!
This park is very peaceful and nice! Aside from the occasional boat riding down the river, you could spend a whole day out there without bumping into other people. The area is blanketed with forest and you're likely to see deer. I love this area for fishing.
So I read about the guy seeing otters and thought yeah - sure. But I had not been out there for years when the kids were young and we saw a rare San Francisco Giant Garter snake (really big ugly head is a tip off). We used to see hundreds of turtles in the summer swimming and basking in the creek.
Best place for dog swimming. Perfect for a short getaway, canoeing, swimming, rafting, fishing, short walks with few people. Plenty of little turnouts along River Road for resting. Allot of drive up small parks and boat launches for fishing. And it's a nearby alternative to five mile at Bidwell when it's crowded.
Trail conditions & character
“The sight of that beautiful and majestic river cutting through the land makes me grateful that I live in California in the good ole U S A”
“10/10 recommend this park for family outings, dog walks, and fishing trips.”
“Quiet, low level walk amongst the trees by the Sacramento River.”
Plan your run at Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone+1 530-342-5185
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Chico
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
DeGarmo Park
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Lower Bidwell Park
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Bidwell Park One-Mile
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Popular for its swimming creek, this park also offers a playground, athletic field & picnic space.
Comanche Creek Greenway
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Park with picnic tables and a trail, plus some users reporting a homeless population.
Lower Bidwell Park
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Family-friendly venue with barbecue and picnic facilities, a year-round stream, and a playground, plus bike and walking paths.
Chico Creek Nature Center
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