We bet you’ve never heard of these wildlife areas in Northern California! Most of the wildlife areas on this list are not well-known, and they’re just waiting to be explored. Some are massive (like the Merced National Wildlife Refuge with more than 10,200 acres of land), and others are tiny in comparison (like the Joe Domecq Wilderness Area with about 270 acres). Our state has many environments and landscapes to explore. Whether you’re a hiker, a birder, or just want a new place to explore, you’ll enjoy learning about these hidden wildlife refuges in Northern California.
1. Volta State Wildlife Area– Los Banos
Volta State Wildlife Area, Los Banos, CA 93635, USA
This wildlife area is approximately 3,800 acres of managed marsh and shrub land. Visitors can see beavers, coyotes, cottontails, and nearly 150 bird species. In addition to wildlife viewing, the wildlife area is also open for hunting during waterfowel season.
2. Merced National Wildlife Refuge– Merced
Merced National Wildlife Refuge, 7430 W Sandy Mush Rd, Merced, CA 95341, USA
This massive wildlife area encompasses more than 10,200 acres of wetlands, grasslands, vernal pools, and riparian areas.
This is a birder's paradise:
It is the largest wintering concentrations of lesser sandhill cranes and Ross' geese along the Pacific Flyway.
Joe Domecq Wilderness Area is part of La Grange Regional Park, located about 45 minutes east of Modesto. This is one of the few remaining wetlands in Stanislaus County that is open to the public. Explore the area below the old bridge and keep your eyes peeled for rare birds that have been seen here.
The Howard Slough Wildlife Refuge is part of the Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area, an approximately 9,600 acre space located within the Butte Basin. Recreational opportunities abound in this wildlife area, including fishing, wildlife viewing, birding, hunting, and sightseeing.
6. Delevan National Wildlife Refuge– Colusa
Delevan National Wildlife Refuge, 4 Mile Rd, Colusa, CA 95932, USA
Delevan National Wildlife Refuge is one of the refuges that make up the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Delevan is open to the public for hunting and photography by reservation only. Delevan is not open to the public for wildlife viewing but visitors can view the area from the bordering Maxwell Road and Four Mile Road.
7. Biscar State Wildlife Area– Wendel
Biscar State Wildlife Area, 728-600 Fish and Game Rd, Wendel, CA 96136, USA
Biscar Wildlife Area is 548 acres in Snowstorm Creek Canyon that include two small reservoirs, Lower Biscar and Upper Biscar. This area has many pronghorn antelope, as well as waterfowl, coyotes, bobcats, badgers, and marmots.
8. Horseshoe Ranch Wildlife Area– Hornbrook
Horseshoe Ranch Wildlife Area, Copco Rd, Hornbrook, CA 96044, USA
The Horseshoe Ranch Wildlife Area is comprised of approximately 9,000 acres of rolling terrain. This was once a working cattle ranch but today visitors to this remote area might see wild horses, bobcats, coyotes, red-tailed hawks, and many other animals.
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9. Bear Valley Wildflower Access– Stonyford
Bear Valley Wildflower Access, Stonyford, CA 95979, USA
When springtime rolls around, you must visit this beautiful area that blooms with wildflowers as far as the eye can see. Bear Valley Wildflower Access is a remote wilderness area located in the northern part of Central California. Visitors have called this valley "Heaven on earth".
Exploring these lesser-known wildlife refuges in Northern California offers a chance to connect with nature and discover the rich biodiversity that thrives in these hidden corners of the state. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, wildlife photographer, or simply a nature enthusiast, these refuges provide unique opportunities to witness California’s natural beauty and have an adventure.
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