WILLOWS NEWS | GLENN COUNTY | OCTOBER 18, 2026. Fall is a major wildlife-viewing season south of Willows, where thousands of migrating birds begin using wetlands at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) says wintering waterfowl arrive in fall and typically build toward a late-November and early-December viewing peak.
For residents and visitors, that means the fall trip is not just a scenic drive: it is an opportunity to see an important stopover on the Pacific Flyway, while following restrictions designed to keep wildlife from being disturbed.
Where the refuge is and what you can do
The visitor center and headquarters are at 752 County Road 99W, Willows, CA 95988, a short drive south of the city. The refuge offers a six-mile auto tour through wetlands and grasslands and a two-mile Wetland Walk that leaves from the visitor center.
According to the USFWS auto tours and trails guide, the auto route opens seven days a week year-round, from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. Visitors must remain in their vehicles along the route except at designated Park-and-Stretch areas; walking on the auto road is prohibited. The observation areas provide chances to see birds without crossing into protected habitat.
Fees, accessibility and practical preparation
The government refuge collects an entrance fee for the auto-tour drive; its visitor center information page says no admission fee is required for people who only walk the Wetland Walk. The walk includes a north loop described by USFWS as accessible. For an exact pass price or exemption, check the current refuge pass guidance rather than assuming a fixed fee.
The refuge warns that potable water is not available for the auto tour or hiking areas. Bring drinking water, appropriate footwear and binoculars if available. Dogs are not permitted outside vehicles on the auto route except on leash in designated stops. Drones are prohibited. Visitors should follow posted signs because much of the refuge is closed to entry.
What you might see in October and beyond
USFWS describes northern pintail as early arrivals, with white-fronted geese following and snow and Ross’s geese starting to appear in October. Numbers depend on weather, wetland conditions and migration patterns; do not treat seasonal refuge-wide counts as a guarantee for any particular day. For trip planning, its species and seasons guide outlines how fall and winter differ.
School groups: the 2026–27 program is different
The refuge education program says staffing limitations prevent ranger-led field trips in the 2026–27 season, but self-guided group field trips remain available by advance arrangement. Educators can ask about binoculars and identification materials using the contact information on the official page. School groups should not arrive expecting a ranger-led program.
Check these sources before driving
- USFWS — Sacramento NWR visitor information
- USFWS — auto tours and trails, including restrictions
- USFWS — visitor center hours and access
For separate Glenn County reporting, see our previous Willows transportation coverage. The refuge guide is a public-service article, not a claim that the birds are present at a particular location at publication time.
Reporting based on current USFWS public information reviewed October 18, 2026. Visitor-center hours differ from refuge trail hours and may change; current closures and pass rules should be checked directly before arrival.
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