Open Trail Day is a great opportunity to explore the Upper Beach Lake Wildlife Area of the Bufferlands. We will have several miles of trails open for you to hike at your own pace. Our biologists and docents will be out on the trails to help you find your way and to answer any nature-related questions. This is a great time to see our riparian forests and seasonal wetlands, all in their spring beauty. During this time of year, Swainson’s Hawks and other raptors are seen soaring in the sky, while broods of ducklings and goslings are readily spotted in the wetlands.
The event will begin at 6:30 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. Event and parking are free. Please sign in at the check-in table and get your trail map. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. There will be no food vendors on-site, but feel free to pack a picnic or whatever trail snacks you think you will need.
This Open Trails Day offers a rare opportunity to explore SacSewer’s Bufferlands, a protected nature preserve that is only open to the public during select special events. This limited access helps protect sensitive habitats while allowing visitors to experience the area’s wetlands, riparian forests, and wildlife in a meaningful way.
Wild animals are within the hiking trails.
No pets, please! For all Bufferlands events, we respectfully request that you please leave your dogs and other pets at home.
Directions: Take I-5 or Highway 99 south from Sacramento. Exit at Cosumnes River Blvd. Take Cosumnes River Blvd west to Freeport Blvd. Take Freeport Blvd south, past the golf course and the small town of Freeport. Turn left at the signs opposite Cliff’s Marina (8651 River Rd, Sacramento, CA 95832). Follow the signs to the parking area.
Swainson’s Hawk © Daniel Lee Brown