Sacramento NWR Complex - Photography
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When and Where to Visit
The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex is a great place for photographers of all ages and skills! The Auto Tours and trails provide excellent photographic opportunities. With the changing seasons and wide range of habitats, the Complex provides a wealth of images for you to find. In addition, there are 4 photography blinds that are available by reservation only (see below for more information).
October - February:
Sacramento NWR, Colusa NWR and the Llano Seco Unit of Steve Thompson NCV WMA provide great opportunities to photograph large flocks of waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors along the Auto Tours and trails, as well as sandhill cranes near the Llano Seco Unit. North-facing observation decks at these locations along with carefully-placed loafing logs provide incredible access to up-close viewing with perfect lighting from the south. A tree snag installed by our Friends Group along the Sacramento NWR Auto Tour provides excellent raptor viewing and photography.These areas are open year-round, but provide the best photography/viewing from October - February.
- Find Maps here:
- Find Directions here: Sacramento NWRC Maps and Directions page
- Find out more about our Auto Tours and Trails
February 15 - June 30:
Seasonal trails within the hunt areas of Sacramento NWR and Sutter NWR are open from February 15 - June 30 to provide additional opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. Visitors may utilize some of the in-ground, concrete hunting blinds on Sacramento NWR on a first-come basis. The seasonal trails on Sacramento NWR (referred to as the Logan Creek Trails) often have beautiful shows of vernal pool wildflowers in the spring, and the trails on Sutter NWR provide access to a riparian corridor visited by migrant songbirds with a backdrop of the Sutter Buttes.
- Find Maps here:
- Find Directions here: Sacramento NWRC Maps and Directions page
- Find out more about our Auto Tours and Trails
March 15 - September 10:
Sacramento NWR Pool 2 Loop: a seasonal 1.5-mile loop is open from March 15 - September 10 on the Sacramento NWR Auto Tour (referred to as the Pool 2 Loop). This provides summer photography opportunities including nesting grebes and ruddy ducks. The Pool 2 Loop is closed to bikes, has limited passing areas, and visitors must stay in their vehicles.
- Find Map here:
- Find Directions here: Sacramento NWRC Maps and Directions page
- Find out more about our Auto Tours and Trails
Year-Round:
Trails on eight of the units of the Sacramento River NWR provide great opportunities to see migrant songbirds and resident mammals in riparian forest and grasslands throughout all seasons. An osprey nest stand is visible from the trail at the Pine Creek Unit.
- Find Maps here: Sacramento River NWR Maps and Recreation page
The Visitor Areas of Sacramento NWR, Colusa NWR and the Llano Seco Unit are also open year-round, but are generally quiet during the summer months when seasonal ponds are dry (find links to their brochures above).
Updates for 2026-2027:
Unfortunately, due to an on-going staffing shortage our photography blinds will not be available for the 2026-2027 season. We are continuing to work with our non-profit partner, Friends of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, to create the next version of this program for the public within our shared capacity, but it will not be this year.
Photography Blind Descriptions*
*Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are unable to offer use of our photo blinds this season. We appreciate your patience and support as we work towards creative solutions.
The Complex has four photography blinds that are available BY RESERVATION ONLY and are generally available from mid-October through March.
| Refuge and Blind Number | Description | Photo |
|---|---|---|
|
Sacramento NWR Blind #1 UNAVAILABLE 2026-27 |
Blind #1 is located at Sacramento NWR, and is accessed using a submerged gravel path that is marked by stakes (waders are necessary). A small pram/boat is available to float camera equipment out to the blind. The blind has interior dimensions of 5’ deep x 6 3/4’ wide x 6 1/2’ high and accommodates two persons. There are adjustable camera-sized openings in three sides, and adjustable shelves which can be used for camera mounts. There is one swivel chair and a can of wasp spray. Tree snags and islands have been placed to encourage birds to perch or rest within range of a 400‐500 mm lens. |
 Sacramento NWR Photo Blind #1 |
|
Sacramento NWR Blind #2 UNAVAILABLE 2026-27 |
Blind #2 is located at Sacramento NWR, and is accessed using a land-based path and is wheel-chair accessible. It has interior dimensions of 5' deep x 6 3/4' wide x 6 1/2' high and accommodates two persons. There are adjustable camera-sized openings in three sides, and adjustable shelves which can be used for camera mounts. There is one swivel chair and a can of wasp spray. Tree snags and islands have been placed to encourage birds to perch or rest within range of a 400-500 mm lens. |
 Sacramento NWR photo blind #2 |
|
Colusa NWR Blind #3 UNAVAILABLE 2026-27 |
Blind #3 is located at Colusa NWR and is access using a submerged gravel path that is marked by stakes (waders are necessary). A small pram/boat is available to float camera equipment out to the blind. The blind has interior dimensions of 5’deep X 6’ wide X 5’ high at the front and 4.5’ at the back. It has three sets of openings on each side and the front. There are no adjustable shelves for use as camera mounts so photographers should bring a tripod or bean bag to use. There are two folding chairs and a can of wasp spray in the blind. Tree snags and logs have been placed in the water about 30‐50 feet from the blind to provide sites for water birds and turtles to use. |
 Colusa NWR photo blind #3 |
|
Delevan NWR Blind #4 UNAVAILABLE 2026-27 |
Blind #4 is located at Delevan NWR, and is accessed using a land-based path and is wheel-chair accessible. It is 5’ deep X 6 3/4’ wide X 6 1/2’ high. A levee to the blind allows access for people using wheel‐chairs. It has three sets of openings in the front and sides, and four adjustable shelves which can be used for camera mounts. There is a swivel chair and a can of wasp spray in the blind. Tree snags and logs have been placed to encourage birds to perch or rest 30‐50 feet from the blind. |
 Delevan NWR photo blind #4 |
Photography Blind Reservations and Guidelines*
*Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are unable to offer use of our photo blinds this season. We appreciate your patience and support as we work towards creative solutions.
The Photography Blinds at Sacramento NWR Complex are available by RESERVATION ONLY - Unavailable 2026-27
We are continuing to work with our non-profit partner, Friends of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, to create the next version of this program for the public within our shared capacity.
I. Photography Blind Date Ranges YEAR-YEAR - Unavailable 2026-27
Below are the date ranges* during which the Photography Blinds are estimated to be available this season:
*NOTE - blind availability is subject to change at any time due to unforeseen conditions
Sacramento NWR Blind #1: month day, year - month day, year(flood-up anticipated to begin xx/xx/xx)
Sacramento NWR Blind #2: month day, year - month day, year (flood-up anticipated to begin xx/xx/xx)
Colusa NWR Blind #3: month day, year - month day, year (flood-up anticipated to begin xx/xx/xx)
Delevan NWR Blind #4: month day, year - month day, year (flood-up anticipated to begin xx/xx/xx)
Anticipated Photography Blind Availability:
Dry = unit not yet flooded up
Flood-up = unit in process of flooding up
Closed = unit closed for season
Blank = anticipated to be available for reservation
Reserved = reservation in place
| Reservation Week (Wed-Sun) | Blind #1 (Sacramento NWR P1A.3) | Blind #2 (Sacramento NWR P6.2) | Blind #3 (Colusa NWR T1.3) | Blind #4 (Delevan NWR T6) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October #-# | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| October #-# | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| October #-# | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| October #-# | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| October #-November # | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| November #-# | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| November #-# | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| November #-# | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| November #- December # | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| December #-# | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| December #-# | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| December #-# | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| December #-# | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| January #-# | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| January #-# | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| January #-# | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| January #-# | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| January #- February # | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| February #-# | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| February #-# | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| February #-# | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
II. Photography Blind Reservation Process - UNAVAILABLE 2026-27
We are continuing to work with our non-profit partner, Friends of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, to create the next version of this program for the public within our shared capacity.
III. Payment of Photography Blind User Fee - UNAVAILABLE 2026-27
We are continuing to work with our non-profit partner, Friends of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, to create the next version of this program for the public within our shared capacity.
IV. Registration - UNAVAILABLE 2026-27
On the photography day or day prior, photographers must pick up a "Photography Blind Folder”, which is located in a mailbox at the designated locations listed below. The folder should be placed on your vehicle’s dashboard while at the blind. The folder contains a Photography Blind Report form, directions/map to the blind, and other important information.
The folder may be picked up at the following locations:
- Sacramento NWR Blind #1 - the mailbox behind the Sacramento NWR office. The mailbox is the black one labeled “Photo Blind Info Binder” located on the right of the line of mailboxes. Be sure to grab the correct folder (check your blind number).
- Sacramento NWR Blind #2 - the mailbox behind the Sacramento NWR office. The mailbox is the black one labeled “Photo Blind Info Binder” located on the right of the line of mailboxes. Be sure to grab the correct folder (check your blind number).
- Colusa NWR Blind #3 - the black mailbox across from the observation deck on the beginning of the Colusa auto tour
- Delevan NWR Blind #4 - *please excuse us while we work on this*
- It is required that all photography blind users fill in the photography blind report. This is how we keep records and improve the program. If the report is not completed the visit will be considered as a no-show and that user will have their next reservation cancelled.
V. Directions - UNAVAILABLE 2026-27
- Sacramento NWR Blind #1 - The blind access is from the auto tour. Drive approximately two miles on the auto tour to the parking area marked with the brown sign “Photo blind #1, By Reservation Only". Place the "Photography Blind Folder” and the refuge entrance pass on the dash of your vehicle. Look for a boat ramp on your left. At this site, a small sled is located just north of the boat ramp and is available for transporting your gear to the blind. It is typically out of view of the auto tour to prevent vandalism. Walk down the boat ramp and into the water until you see the first guide stake. Continue to each stake until you reach the blind (about 250 yards). If the sled is used, it should be hidden in the tules behind the photography blind. Please return the sled to the edge of the pond beside the boat ramp, turn it upside down to keep the inside dry and latch it to the post.
- Sacramento NWR Blind #2 - Vehicle access to the blind is from the viewing platform parking area on the auto tour. From the platform parking lot, open the metal gate and close it before proceeding to the blind. Follow the road south along Logan Creek approximately 6/10 of a mile until you reach the brown sign 5 “Parking Area #2”. Place the “Photography Blind Folder” and the Refuge entrance pass on the dash of your vehicle. Look for the signs and guide stakes and follow them until you reach the access levee to the blind (about 200 yards). The road has been graveled to provide vehicle access to the parking area during the winter. Individuals using wheelchairs may drive south past the “Parking Area #2” sign to the beginning of the access levee (marked with a sign with “Photo Blind #2” and a right arrow). Do not attempt to drive down this levee to the back of the blind. Although not required, it is highly recommended that people who use a wheelchair have an able-bodied companion park their vehicle back at the “Parking Area #2” sign to reduce disturbance to wildlife using the area.
- Colusa NWR Blind #3 - Vehicle access to the blind is from the Colusa NWR auto tour. A space for parking is located approximately 0.5 miles from the observation deck. It will be before the bridge and on the right (north) will be a brown sign marked “Photo blind #3, By Reservation Only”. Place the “Photography Blind Folder” on the dash of your vehicle. Proceed north on foot and follow the directional signs along the levee road (about 200 yards) until you reach a sign that will direct you into the water. At this site a small sled is available for transporting your gear to the blind. The water in this section of the pond is about 2 feet deep, so chest waders are needed. Follow the reflective markers about 150 yards to the blind. If the sled is used, it should be hidden in the cattails behind the blind. Please return the sled to the edge of the pond, turn it upside down to keep the inside dry and latch it to the post.
- Delevan NWR Blind #4 - Vehicle access to the blind is from Four Mile Road on the west boundary of Delevan NWR. A space for parking marked with a sign labeled “Photo blind #4, By Reservation Only” is located at the gate on Four Mile Road. Heading south, on Four Mile Road the parking site is approximately 2 miles south of the intersection with Delevan Road. Heading north, the site is approximately 3½ miles north of Maxwell Road. Place the “Photography Blind Folder” on the dash of your vehicle. Proceed east on foot and follow the directional signs along the levee road (about 150 yards) until you reach a levee covered with plastic mats that provides entry to the blind. Individuals using wheelchairs should contact the refuge for the combination to the gate to allow vehicle access to the start of this entrance levee. Do not attempt to drive down this levee to the back of the blind. Although not required, it is highly recommended that people who use a wheelchair have an able-bodied companion park their vehicle back at the gate to reduce disturbance to wildlife using the area.
VI. Proceed to Blind - UNAVAILABLE 2026-27
Photographers must be in the blind at least 1 hour before sunrise. Photographers must park in the designated parking area and proceed directly to the assigned blind on foot. Give yourself adequate time to get to the blind!
- Sacramento NWR Blind #1 - the route from the parking area to the blind will be marked by stakes with reflective tape in the water. The route is designed to minimize disturbance; therefore, deviation from the staked route is not allowed. A flashlight will be needed to follow the staked route. Sometimes only one guide stake can be seen at a time. While in route to the blind, photographers may encounter deep water (waist high), ankle-deep mud, and slippery footing. Use chest waders and proceed with caution.
- Sacramento NWR Blind #2 - there is an accessible walkway to the blind which does not go through the water.
- Colusa NWR Blind #3 - the route from the parking area to the blind will be marked by stakes with reflective tape in the water. The route is designed to minimize disturbance; therefore, deviation from the staked route is not allowed. A flashlight will be needed to follow the staked route. Sometimes only one guide stake can be seen at a time. While in route to the blind, photographers may encounter deep water (waist high), ankle-deep mud, and slippery footing. Use chest waders and proceed with caution.
- Delevan NWR Blind #4 - there is an accessible walkway to the blind which does not go through the water.
- Photographers may leave the blind at any time, but once the blind has been vacated, returning to the blind is not permitted.
VII. Check Out
Photographers must check out of the blind by returning the "Photography Blind Folder” with a completed report form to the mailboxes.
VIII. Blind Descriptions
See the Photography Blind Descriptions section, above.
IX. Weather Closure and Safety
- Access to some blinds and the surrounding area may flood; therefore, blind use depends on road and habitat conditions. If the access road is closed due to flooding, the photo blind will also be closed. During adverse weather, it is highly recommended that photographers call before their blind assignment date to check on the blind and road conditions.
- Refuge staff will contact blind users as soon as possible if there is a closure. Staff will try to provide the cancelled user a replacement opportunity if feasible.
- This is a natural area, be alert! You may encounter ticks, mosquitos, wasps, yellowjackets, bees, poison hemlock, and other natural occurrences that may cause you harm.
- In October and November, wasps are a normal in the blind. Staff and volunteers try to treat them and clean the blind prior but it will not be perfect! Wasps are looking for over wintering areas and congregate on structures.
- Owls – you must put the wall panels back in the exact spot they came from. Owls can move into the blinds when there are small openings. They make a huge mess – no one wants to sit in that!
- Use caution while wading through water or walking on roads. Surfaces may be uneven, slippery, and muddy.
X. Checklist of helpful items to bring to the blind
- Flashlight
- Warm clothes or layers
- Field guide(s)
- Binoculars
- Insect repellent
- Snacks and water
- Sack for garbage
- Seat for a second person (blind #1, 2, 4)
- Chest waders (needed for Sacramento NWR Blind #1 & Colusa NWR Blind #3)
- Ballhead or tripod head for using adjustable shelves in Blinds #1 and #2
- Tripod or bean bag camera rest for Blind #3
XI. The Refuge reserves the right to revoke photography privileges
Anyone found to be in violation of any of the conditions in these guidelines or refuge regulations will have their photography privileges immediately revoked and will be asked to leave the area.
XII. Additional Photographic Opportunities
See our When and Where to Visit section, above to find out more about additional photography opportunities on our auto tours and trails.