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Solano Magazine /  Travel /  Day Trips /  Take A Hike: Putah Creek Riparian Reserve

Take A Hike: Putah Creek Riparian Reserve

Putah Creek Riparian Reserve

Activity:
Nature-watching and picnicking at fire pit

What’s so special?
Putah Creek is a bit of a miracle, according to Dr. Peter Moyle of UC Davis. Once a free-flowing stream that flooded frequently, it dwindled to less than a trickle with urban development and drought conditions. At one point, Moyle explains, the Putah Creek Council even had to purchase water to keep creek inhabitants alive. Now the waterway is more like a planned community, structured for a balance between nature and humankind.

Distance:
About three miles

Level of difficulty:
Easy (mostly flat)

Time:
One to three hours, depending on the length of time for stops at guideposts. During comfortable weather, bring lunch for a streamside picnic.

Cautions:
Poison oak: Wear protective clothing and avoid the shrubs of oak-like leaves in clusters of three. Ticks: Wear protective clothing and/or DEET compound insect repellent. Lyme disease-bearing ticks are unlikely but better to take precautions.

Getting there:
Although there are a number of entrances to Putah Creek walking areas, best access begins on the UC Davis campus, where you can also pick up a brochure and map. From the Recreation Pool, head west on Hutchison Drive, crossing Highway 113. At Hopkins Road, turn left and travel past the university airport to the end of the road and a sign announcing Putah Creek Riparian Reserve.

More information: Download the field trip guide by Moyle from bioregion.ucdavis.edu/where/putahft.html or the updated version linked at wfcb.ucdavis.edu/www/Faculty/Peter/petermoyle/publications/filedtrips_00_putahcreek.pdf. Also check out bioregion.ucdavis.edu.

—Jane Lott