Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park is located four miles west of Chico. The park is located adjacent to a four mile stretch of the Sacramento River. Open for day-use, the park offers areas for fishing, picnicking, hiking, boat-launching and river floating. Visitors interested in rafting, kayaking, canoeing, or inner-tubing can float down the river from the Irvine Finch River access site, past the tall riparian forest to Big Chico Creek, taking in the peace and beauty of a rich variety of landscapes. The very lucky may observe such elusive creatures as the osprey, the red fox, or perhaps a white sturgeon or migrating steelhead hiding in the coolness of underwater root-tangles. 

Contact the park for information on nature walks and other events and activities. Tips: Bring sunscreen, thirst-quenching drinks and food. The float from Irvine Finch to Big Chico Creek usually takes up to 3 hours, and there are few services along the river. Dogs are not allowed on the gravel bar at Big Chico Creek.