Paddling on the Cosumnes River
The lower Cosumnes River offers excellent flat water canoeing and kayaking opportunities during most of the year.
The Cosumnes is the last free-flowing river from the mighty Sierra Nevada Mountains into the Great Central Valley. Paddlers can enjoy a scenic glide through the river's sloughs and main channel, crusing along riparian forest, oak woodland and through wetlands teeming with wildlife.
A Paddling Guide with map to the Cosumnes waterways is available online, or you may pick up a copy at the Visitor Center.
Launching and Parking
Paddlers can launch their craft from the dock that is just south of the Visitor Parking Lot. This is the only allowed and legal public access point on the lower Cosumnes River. You may access the boat dock by following the 200 yard cement path that begins at the northeast corner of the Visitor Parking Lot. Due to distance, paddlers are encouraged to use carts or wheels, which are available for lending at the Visitor Center. Driving to the launch site is not permitted.
Paddlers should park in the upper parking lot and also use this area to offload their watercraft and gear. Please be aware that the Preserve and parking area is open from sunrise to sunset ONLY, please make sure that you plan your trip accordingly and schedule enough time for your return.
Boating and Paddling
Only non-gas-powered boats (e.g., kayaks, canoes, etc.) are allowed to launch from the Preserve's dock.
There are no restrictions to motorized boats on the Cosumnes waterways in accordance with State laws. However, motorized boat use is difficult due to shallow and varying water depths and vegetative over growth. The closest boat ramp for motorized boat launching is located outside the Preserve, at Wimpy's Marina on the Mokelumne River, which offers better motorized boating opportunities.
Cosumnes River Preserve * 13501 Franklin Blvd. Galt CA 95632
(916) 684-2816
info@cosumnes.org