We have come here a handful of times now for fishing. Not only do we always have a blast, but it is…read moreabsolutely gorgeous here. We haven't been here at sunrise, but the sunsets and stars are so beautiful... you can't help but slowly walk out when it is time to go. Lake Theodore is right off the road and not too hard to spot the entrance. For parking, you can park on the side of the road, right up to the entrance. There is a park & route below about 50 yards away, but that's quite a walk. You do go through a swirly gate and down a path, and there is a trail that leads to the back of the lake. There are spots you need to really pay attention to because of rocks and tree roots. Some trees are growing into the path. There is also some scat along the way, but hey! It's nature. What else do you expect! I have yet to take the path all the way around the small lake, but I have gotten halfway. It's easy to get stuck casting in spots because you'll see some big fish swimming by, or we start catching. In this small lake, you can expect to catch big mouth bass, small mouth bass, lots of blue gill, green sun fish, and a few extras swimming around. For us, the most popular bait we use is the natural big earth worms and night crawlers. For the big mouth bass, the seenkos are pretty popular... 3"-4" long (and we use the watermelon ones). I do like to head back to the front before it gets dark. You can see random spiders building their webs as the sun starts to set and heaven forbid I walk through those trees and go through a web and end up with a creepy crawly! I love bugs and fishing... but a random bug will make me shriek bloody murder, lol! When the sun goes down(on my side of town), there are so many stars to look at. Planes mostly fly over from the backside of the lake and those are fun to watch, too. I think we sat one night until 11pm casting and watching the stars. It was nice the moon was not out this particular night because it made it nice and dark and the stars shined so bright... As precautions, I suggest bringing bug spray and sun block. Bring some small collapsible chairs. Stock up on some water or whatever you drink. I easily spend 4+ hours at a time here admiring the beauty of nature. For those of you that know... tight lines!

I drove here today with a friend. We did not mean to come here...just found it by accident…read more It is located off his 80 a little above Auburn ca. As you drive up...there is a small parking area. You cannot drive in...there is a gate...so you park on the outside and walk in. There is a dirt path you can walk or ride a bike. By the water you will find places to put a chair and fish. This is a small lake. It is not for boating...or swimming.. There is a sign that clearly states no boats. It is so beautiful here. Peaceful. It would be a great place for lunch or just to sit for a while. I saw some ducks...and birds but no other wild life. It would be a nice place to walk your dogs. Don't wear new shoes...lots of red dirt.

Great multi use park!…read more Location: Located in Carmichael off cozy side streets is this great little park with connections to the American River Bike Trail. For the longest time I did realize how extensive the roads and parking is into this area as generally my entrance into this park is off the Bike Trail. It makes a great stop for picnics or for a quick restroom breaks. Activities: There are a lot of open fields, picnic areas, and water areas to explore off the river. One thing is that I would caution exploring the waterways around here as they can be deceptively fast and dangerous. There is also a great handicap accessible fishing areas off the farthest parking lot. Great for working and watching the waterway from the Harold Richy memorial bridge. Cons: It is a self-pay park so important to keep in mind. Can be a little hard to find but is straight down Arden Way.

I recently started biking and had been researching long paved trails to try out. The American River…read moretrail runs from Sacramento to Folsom and William B Pond seemed like a convenient and safe place to embark from and park (I had hitched my bike to my car & drove out here from the East Bay.) The kiosk was staffed on a Saturday and the entry fee is $7 (cash only.) Lots of parking and the trail is easy to spot from the various lots they had available, There were a variety of picnic areas, bathroom facilities and walking trails. It's close to neighborhoods in Carmichael, which is nice for people who live nearby and can walk right over. Access to the bike trail was my main reason for visiting and the trail itself warrants its own review. Minus one star, as having an option to pay entry by credit card would be nice. I mean, who has $7 exact change that they carry with them these days? Anyway, I would likely use this park again for a jumping off point for trail rides. Nice, clean, scenic suburban park.

Hagan Community Park is BIG and beautiful! Plenty of open space, a playground, dog park, and more…read more There's something for everyone, including the pups. Parking is $8, but you can find free parking about a 10 minute walk away. I'll happily walk 10 minutes to save $8. Great location, lots to do, and a perfect spot for a family day out or letting the dog burn some energy!

Came here looking for a shaded dog park. Hagan offers paid and free parking. Parked in the free…read moreparking and the walk was not bad at all. Went to the large dog park side which was semi-shaded. There was a double gate to enter. A hose with a water bowl and lots of seating for owners. All the dogs had a blast here

If you have never been to the Lake Natoma Recreation area, you are missing out on a very beautiful…read morelake. It is the place to Paddle board, swim in the water, look at sailboats big & small. There are kids learning to kayak in classes, families setting up day tents and people just enjoying a beautiful lake. The geese just paddle in the water and ducks fly low to the water as you paddle by. Right off of highway 50. This is my first paddle boarding experience. You take out the paddle board out of the bag, Lay it out. Blow it up, put on 3 fins on the bottom and you your paddle are ready to go. Have your life jacket, hat, water and a camera. I met really great people just floating and paddling today. This lake is really big. I stayed close to the main recreational area since I am new. I heard there is a cave you can explore. Natoma recreational park is a place for picnics, families, water sports, paddle boarding, sailing and fun in the sun. I am hooked on paddle boarding now. I love this lake! See you again. Bring the family or just yourself. Have an adventure. Julie A

Love Lake Natoma. Lots of water loving options for fun. Beach, picnic areas, connections to trails,…read moreand shade. No current is family friendly swimming for all. Love to take in a sunset on our stand up boards. You've got to check this place out for yourself. I am eager to return soon. Great place to beat the heat.

Nice place to walk, has many trails. Good for boating and fishing. Nice bathroom. Multiple private…read moreeating sections with BBQ pits. first come first serve. Also large gathering area in the front of the park. And 2 huge play places for kids. Lots of places to park.Multiple handicap parking as well as 2 extra shaded handicap parking spots near the lake. Multiple small trash cans throughout the park, as well as 2 large Atlas containers if necessary for trash on your way out of the park.

First time here, nice experience. Relatively quiet (blowers from the golf course next door the only…read moreminus on that count) and wholly uncrowded on this December Thursday afternoon. There's a trail on both sides of the lake, benches, picnic areas, large play structure that doesn't dominate the landscape and lots of nature. Parking is $6 (automated kiosk for that) and while there are restrooms, you will share them with the handful of homeless that are staying there. Who I saw on this day were mostly respectful and relatively clean, but just be aware that there's a chance you'll come across this. Non-motorized boats are allowed--none out on this day--and we'll give this place a try with kayaks to explore a bit all around the lake. Overall, this is a nice spot close to us here in Rancho.

Funday Sundaze! Love…read morethis place!! A local getaway to have some fun in the sun with the whole fam. Whether it's paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, fishing or just BBQING. Can't beat the calm water! Have been paddle boarding here year after year. Other: -Day pass $10 -cash and card -Plenty of parking -Plenty of bathrooms -Plenty of places to set up your tent -some life jackets available/ first come first get lol - this place is right next to the aquatic center - if you want to rent a kayak other gear you go to the aquatic center first.

We came here over the 4th of July weekend and let me say how pleased I was to see not as much…read moreovercrowding as I was expecting and no price gouging on rentals due to the holiday! Parking included. ($10 only) This place makes for a great lake day not too far from Sacramento and right off the Hazel Avenue freeway exit. I'll take a 20 minute drive versus 45 to 1 hour to Folsom any day. Unless of course you plan to do boating or jet skiing. I have not been here since I was in college. As a Sac State student (Go Hornets!) you get discounts on the rentals. However, if you're not a student the pricing on their rentals were very affordable. For reference, we rented a paddle board and kayak for 3-3.5 hours paying only $100! Again, over a holiday weekend! That's a win in my book. The shore is pretty rocky in some areas, especially the beach area near the entrance. If you continue towards the bend there is more sand for little ones to dig and play with. You'll encounter rocks but not nearly as large and in such an abundance. The beaches, walkways, and parking lot were pretty clean. Bathroom wasn't disgusting either! We absolutely will be back again for the rest of this summer and through the warmer months after!

Been here once. Plenty of trails, parking, latrines. Bring a…read morepair of hiking boots as the trails are uneven.

Great place to park and walk the river, have a picnic or hang with family. So grateful for these…read morebeautiful gems in our town!

Visited a couple weeks ago and launched some kayaks from here for a trip down the American River to…read moreAcil Hoffman Park. Nice small boat ramp and was not over crowded.

Such a lovely place to relax Clean, well-maintained, and…read morethe fresh air feels amazing. The river adds a special peaceful atmosphere, and the sweetest little ducks even swam right up to us Perfect for a quiet walk, sitting by the water, and recharging. We'll definitely be back!

The American River Parkway is a gem. Nice paved trails are patrolled and kept in great shape. Dirt…read moretrails veer off the main paved trail for additional biking fun. I regularly ride from Hazel (Nimbus( to Beale Point and back, about 20 miles. On weekdays the trails are sparsely populated; on weekends very crowded. Get a Poopy Pass to park at a State Rec Area. And don't bother trying to park on the weekend, likely the lots are full and you'll be turned away. Nice picnic areas along the way, some with toilets.

Running along the American River Parkway trail delivers a seamless mix of natural beauty and…read moreoutdoor convenience. The clean, paved trail is ideal for all activity levels, offering shaded pathways and stunning views of the river throughout. Whether you're getting in a serious workout or just taking a relaxed weekend walk, it provides a quiet, refreshing environment.

Robert was so helpful and really looking to teach and share info. He got us set up with some…read morestriper trolling gear, demonstrated proper setup for correct presentation, even told us the trolling speed and depths we should be targeting with the gear we bought. Very kind, very helpful. Appreciate you Robert!

Used to shop here a lot - before Bass Pro opened. Still won't shop BP as I prefer to support a…read more"local" business. Anyway, went on an unplanned break from fishing and decided to head over and pick up supplies. I've been out of the loop and it appears that they are under new ownership. Service was ok. When I pulled the flouro leader that was just purchased out of the box it had white dust all over and appeared degraded. The line snapped with a slight tug. Junk. The spools I had lined acted up when casting them. Disappointing.