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There are several places you can launch on The Sacramento River in Sacramento, Ca, but I find Discovery Park a great central location. Take I-5 to the Richards Blvd. Exit, go west ½ block to the Discovery Park entrance. Fee is $8.00. The park closes to entries at 9:00 p.m. in the summer, but you can exit 24x7.
There is ample parking available in this very nice park-like setting on the river. The ramp is well maintained and huge, accepting up to 7 boats/watercraft at one time for launching. There are two large docks and easy access to the river. BEWARE though in late summer, as the river level can drop and submerged tree trunks and shallows are a hazard. There are also several bathrooms located at this marina, but approx. 100 yards from the ramp.
There is no fuel on the water here, so be sure to gas up at one of the 5 stations located just outside of the park entrance. All grades of fuel are available and most stations have ice and mini marts. If you need more substantial supplies, head two exits north on I-5 to El Camino Blvd, and go right to Truxel. There’s a major grocery store on the right, south east corner.
There are also a number of very reasonable hotels and motels close by – many right at the Richards Blvd. Exit, but be sure and secure you skis well. Downtown Sacramento is a 3-minute drive and there’s plenty to do after dark there.
Water clarity varies due to this being a major water supplier (and therefore big run-off recipient) of all the agricultural lands from Redding, CA all the way south. Generally it’s clean and warm enough by May to swim in without a wetsuit. In springtime however, high water washes a lot of debris down, so be careful. In the fall, watch out for the Salmon run - I've actually had giant spawning Salmon jump into my footwell.
The rivers can get crowded on major holiday weekends and during the summer, but overall, it’s a great place to ride during the week - usually glass-like.
There is a large sandy beach located at the junction of the Sacramento and American Rivers, approximately ¼ mile downriver from the Discovery Park Marina. Approximately ½ mile upriver from Discovery Park are a multitude of on water restaurants who welcome boaters, no matter how casually dressed you are.
Lisa Price
Folsom, CA
[ May 28, 2002, 06:47 PM: Message edited by: Lisa ]
There is ample parking available in this very nice park-like setting on the river. The ramp is well maintained and huge, accepting up to 7 boats/watercraft at one time for launching. There are two large docks and easy access to the river. BEWARE though in late summer, as the river level can drop and submerged tree trunks and shallows are a hazard. There are also several bathrooms located at this marina, but approx. 100 yards from the ramp.
There is no fuel on the water here, so be sure to gas up at one of the 5 stations located just outside of the park entrance. All grades of fuel are available and most stations have ice and mini marts. If you need more substantial supplies, head two exits north on I-5 to El Camino Blvd, and go right to Truxel. There’s a major grocery store on the right, south east corner.
There are also a number of very reasonable hotels and motels close by – many right at the Richards Blvd. Exit, but be sure and secure you skis well. Downtown Sacramento is a 3-minute drive and there’s plenty to do after dark there.
Water clarity varies due to this being a major water supplier (and therefore big run-off recipient) of all the agricultural lands from Redding, CA all the way south. Generally it’s clean and warm enough by May to swim in without a wetsuit. In springtime however, high water washes a lot of debris down, so be careful. In the fall, watch out for the Salmon run - I've actually had giant spawning Salmon jump into my footwell.
The rivers can get crowded on major holiday weekends and during the summer, but overall, it’s a great place to ride during the week - usually glass-like.
There is a large sandy beach located at the junction of the Sacramento and American Rivers, approximately ¼ mile downriver from the Discovery Park Marina. Approximately ½ mile upriver from Discovery Park are a multitude of on water restaurants who welcome boaters, no matter how casually dressed you are.
Lisa Price
Folsom, CA
[ May 28, 2002, 06:47 PM: Message edited by: Lisa ]