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Willow Creek Recreation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 773 Google reviews · Running trail in Folsom, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Willow Creek Recreation Area'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.
What runners say about Willow Creek Recreation Area
“Beautiful area to spend the day outdoors, but be aware that the limited parking fill up very quickly.”
Limited parking for how big this park really is. It is deceiving when you first pull in as to just how expansive this place is when you start to walk on the trails that come off of the parking lot and meander all around and away from the parking lot in many directions.
Great little park with a boat ramp and access to an extensive trail system both paved & dirt for running, riding, hiking, or whatever. You will also find a few covered picnic tables with BBQ’s and toilets. There’s a $10 day use fee or you can buy the annual Poppy Pass for $120 and come all year.
I went for a walk. It's a nice clean trail. There are lots of different walking paths and a great place to bring a bike. Great views of the water. There are not many steep areas to ride, run, or walk unless you keep going past the 5 miles I went. It's a pretty perfect place to walk.
Small state park for kayaking, canoes. A few picnic tables and restroom facilities are available. Wildlife include geese, hawks and swans. Quiet with hiking trails.
Trail conditions & character
“Get a gold poppy state parks pass for parking, so you can come all the time to any of the Lake Natoma spots and Folsom Lake.”
“Beautiful area to spend the day outdoors, but be aware that the limited parking fill up very quickly.”
“Bathrooms are clean but there are only 2 for the whole place!”
Plan your run at Willow Creek Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteparks.ca.gov
- Phone(916) 988-0205
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Folsom
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
