Riverside landscapes, wetlands, and historic landmarks offer different perspectives on Colusa County. The Sacramento River shapes both the region’s outdoor experiences and the history of its communities. Those interested in landscapes will find wildlife refuges and waterways, while museums and historic sites tell stories of regional development, agriculture, and community life.
River and Wetlands
The Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is located one mile southwest of the city of Colusa. The Delevan National Wildlife Refuge is four miles east of Maxwell. These distances refer to different locations and directions—useful to keep in mind when locating the refuges on a map. At Delevan Refuge, public access is limited to hunting and access to photo blinds with advance reservations. Check this access requirement before your trip.
The Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area is on the west bank of the Sacramento River, near the city of Colusa. The entrance is in Colusa, north of the intersection of Levee Street and 10th Street; confirm local road conditions before traveling. The grounds include campsites, picnic areas, and a boat ramp for small boats. Fishing is also available: listed fish species include Chinook salmon, steelhead, rainbow trout, and striped bass. Conditions and regulations may vary seasonally.
The Sacramento River Wildlife Area connects diverse habitats across about 3,900 acres, including riparian forest, grassland, oxbow lakes, and gravel bars. A driving loop passes through a designated viewing area. From there, visitors can observe wetland and riverside habitats as well as wildlife—a different way to explore the landscape than fishing along the river.
Reservoirs and Trails
East Park Reservoir has a 25-mile shoreline. Warm-water fish found there include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish. Two natural boat launch sites are easily accessible from the shore. Since the lake may be closed seasonally, check availability before visiting. For the 2026 season, visitors can book campsites and purchase seasonal day-use passes through the official East Park reservation website; check the official portal before your trip.
Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument extends through Colusa County. Designated activities include hiking trails, equestrian trails, and off-highway vehicle routes. These different types of routes appeal to different interests in the landscape. Check current trail conditions and closures before setting out.
Museums and Traces of History
The Sacramento Valley Museum explores the history of the Sacramento Valley through artifacts, textiles, and documents dating from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century. The building also tells a local story: from 1911 to 1956, it served as the city of Williams’s high school. The Stonyford Museum, in contrast, focuses on the Stonyford Rodeo, with an exhibit featuring history, photographs, and memorabilia covering every aspect of the event.
Several historic sites offer a glimpse further back into the history of agriculture and settlement. Granville P. Swift began raising livestock in Stone Creek Valley in Colusa County in 1847. Three years later, Swift and his partner Frank Sears built Swift's Stone Corral out of flat stones because there was no wood in the surrounding area.
Cecil Ranch offers a different perspective on rural architectural history. Its main house dates from 1909; seven agricultural outbuildings and another structure were added by 1945. The ranch is listed locally as an outstanding example of early 20th-century residential architecture. Its design combines Craftsman and Colonial Revival styles.
The history of Letts Valley also connects settlement with the later transformation of the landscape: Jack and David Lett settled there in 1855. The present-day lake outlet is located where the brothers built a tunnel to drain the area. Together with Swift's Stone Corral and Cecil Ranch, this site offers a glimpse into different chapters of the region’s past.
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Explore more destinations: Williams, Colusa, Stonyford, Placer, Mendocino, Modoc, Sacramento, Santa Barbara.
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