
Putah Creek Riparian Reserve
A serene natural escape offering easy levee walks, bass fishing, and peaceful riverside ambiance, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the valley heat

Putah Creek Riparian Reserve
Best Time
Beat the valley heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene natural escape offering easy levee walks, bass fishing, and peaceful riverside ambiance, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
"Nice, easy stroll, but we recommend going in the morning to beat the valley heat."

🚶♀️ Easy Levee Stroll
Enjoy a relaxing walk on the levee, extending as far as you like. Great for all fitness levels.
🎣 Kayak for Bass Fishing
Bring a kayak for the best bass fishing experience in Putah Creek.

Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Levee Walk
Eastern end at Old Davis Road Parking Lot
An easy, relaxing walk along the levee with views of fruit trees and the flood plain.

Creek Access
Approximately one mile west of Old Davis Road
Descend to the creek bed for fishing or enjoying the water, but watch for poison oak.

Bass Fishing
Putah Creek
A great spot for bass fishing, especially if you have a kayak for better access.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat on the Levee
Respect the Wildlife & Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Swimming in Putah Creek?
Is it ok to swim in the Putah Creek, the part by the Leevee Rd. where they have rope swings? The water is kinda greenish so I'm not sure if it's safe to swim there. Altho, I saw some few people swimming there.
🚶♀️ Easy Levee Stroll
Enjoy a relaxing walk on the levee, extending as far as you like. Great for all fitness levels.
🎣 Kayak for Bass Fishing
Bring a kayak for the best bass fishing experience in Putah Creek.
Hidden gem paddle board spots
Any tips on great spot to paddle board within 1 hour of Sac that aren’t the American River or Lake Natomas? Looking for some ideas on easy day trips to other lakes or places that might not be as well known.
Underrated Places in Davis
Hey! I’m planning out a fun date/day in Davis, and I really desperately need suggestions for cool spots to hang out. Like where are the best places to watch the sunset or stars? Best places to just go for a drive? Best restaurants not as basic as Burgers and Brew? Random…
⚠️ Watch for Poison Oak
Be cautious of poison oak if you venture down to the creek bed.
🐶 Leash Your Dogs
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Fishing spots accessible by bike?
Not a student but I'm interested in visiting the city at some point in the near future and I'm wondering if I can get around by bike and do some fishing at the same time?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Levee Stroll
Enjoy a relaxing walk on the levee, extending as far as you like. Great for all fitness levels.
🎣 Kayak for Bass Fishing
Bring a kayak for the best bass fishing experience in Putah Creek.
⚠️ Watch for Poison Oak
Be cautious of poison oak if you venture down to the creek bed.
🐶 Leash Your Dogs
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
🦉 Evening Serenity
Experience a peaceful atmosphere with owls calling near dusk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve for its peaceful atmosphere and easy levee walks, perfect for a relaxing stroll. It's also a noted spot for bass fishing, especially with a kayak. Some find fishing challenging, and caution is advised regarding poison oak when venturing off the main path.
"The Putah Creek Riparian Preserve provides an opportunity for a relaxing, easy walk along the levee -- pretty much for as far as you want to go. We started at the eastern end at the Old Davis Road Parking Lot and headed west. UC Davis fruit trees on the right, Putah Creek flood plain on the left. It's tough to see the actual creek until you are about a mile down the levee. From there, you can walk down the creek but watch out for poison oak! We saw a few other people enjoying the levee walk. Dogs are welcome but please keep them leashed. There are other parking lots along the route further west from where we started. Overall, it's a nice, easy stroll, but we recommend going in the morning to beat the valley heat."
David Liebler
"Nice little spot to go bass fishing if you got a kayak. I have caught a ton of bass here"
William Carter
"Very pretty creek. Would be 5 stars but I can’t catch that many fish here lol"
Nolan Woody
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Putah Creek Riparian Reserve is located near Davis, California. Key access points include the Old Davis Road Parking Lot on the eastern end, with additional parking lots further west along the route.
The Old Davis Road Parking Lot is a primary access point for the reserve. Specific directions can be found by searching for 'Old Davis Road Parking Lot, Davis, CA' on your preferred navigation app.
Yes, there are several parking lots along the levee route, allowing you to start your walk from different points.
Information on public transportation to the reserve is limited. Driving is the most common method of access. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for routes that may get you close to the area.
The main levee path offers a clear and easy way to explore. For creek access, be prepared for uneven terrain and watch for poison oak.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to access the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve. It is a public space for recreation and enjoying nature.
The reserve is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's recommended to visit during the morning to avoid the heat or near dusk for a peaceful experience.
No, advance booking or tickets are not required for entry into the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve.
The main restrictions involve keeping dogs on a leash and being aware of natural hazards like poison oak.
While not officially restricted, visiting near dusk is recommended for safety and to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Extended night access may not be advisable due to limited lighting and potential wildlife.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy easy walks along the levee, bass fishing (especially with a kayak), bird watching, and simply relaxing in a peaceful natural setting. Bonfires are also mentioned as a popular evening activity.
Yes, swimming in Putah Creek is generally considered safe. One user who works in habitat management confirmed the water is safe, even with a greenish tint.
Specific details about restrooms and picnic areas are not widely mentioned. It's advisable to come prepared with your own provisions. However, bonfires are a noted activity.
Visitors can expect to see fruit trees, UC Davis agricultural areas, and potentially owls, especially near dusk. The creek itself supports fish populations.
Absolutely. The levee path is described as an easy and relaxing walk, suitable for as long as you wish to go.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Water Activities
Bass fishing is a popular activity in Putah Creek, with many anglers reporting success.
A kayak is recommended for the best bass fishing experience, offering better access to prime spots.
It's always recommended to check with local fishing authorities for current regulations regarding licenses, catch limits, and seasons for Putah Creek.
Yes, swimming in Putah Creek is considered safe.
Some Reddit users mention rope swings along Putah Creek, suggesting areas where they might be present.
📸 📸 Photography Spots
The levee walk offers scenic views of the flood plain and fruit trees. Accessing the creek bed can provide unique perspectives, but be mindful of the terrain.
Morning light is ideal for avoiding harsh shadows and capturing the landscape. Dusk offers a peaceful ambiance and opportunities for wildlife shots, like owls.
The contrast between the UC Davis fruit trees and the natural flood plain is visually interesting. The creek itself, especially with accessible banks, can also be a subject.
Yes, especially near dusk when owls are active. Keep a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the animals.
Be cautious of poison oak if you are venturing off the main path to get closer to the water.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit