Northern California Romance - Love and Romance

Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area is a beautiful oak woodland park nestled along the Sacramento River between Chico and Red Bluff. Mount Shasta, Mount Lassen, and the Trinity Alps loom in the distance.

A boat launch ramp located across the road in the county park makes for easy access to the river for those who enjoy water sports. A broad sand and gravel beach provides the opportunity to enjoy the sun and enjoy the Sacramento River.

Another special feature of Woodson Bridge is the preserve. This dense native riparian forest is a winter home to the Bald Eagle and a summer nest site for the Yellow Billed Cuckoo. This jungle like grove displays some of the last remaining riparian habitat to be found in California.

Over a hundred plant species have been identified throughout the park; the most prominent is the large valley oak. The California black walnut, Oregon ash, black cottonwood, sycamore, and willow are also plentiful. Beneath the oaks and cottonwoods along the river is a profusion of elderberry, wild grape, and wildflowers in season.

Location-Directions

The park is on South Avenue just three miles west of Highway 99 at Vina, or six miles east of interstate 5 at Corning.

Latitude/Longitude: 39.9175 / -122.0903

Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing

Spring and Fall are favored seasons at Woodson Bridge, but summer camping can also be delightful here. Summer daytime temperatures generally vary from 85 to just over 100 degrees, but cool nights are the rule.

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Originally built in 1885 and rebuilt in 1896 after being destroyed by fire, the Woodland Opera House is still a stopping place for actors, musicians, and entertainers.

Over 300 touring companies had appeared on its stage by 1913, enriching the community with arts and entertainment, when, due to the growing popularity of motion pictures and an injury lawsuit, the Opera House was closed and boarded up. In 1971, the Yolo County Historical Society purchased the building.

The Woodland Opera House has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971.  It became a California Registered Historical Landmark (#851) in 1973 and was declared a California State Historic Park in 1976. The Opera House was donated to the State of California in 1980. Major restoration work began in 1981.

Location-Directions

Located at the corner of Main and Second Street in historic downtown Woodland, the Opera House is two walking blocks from eight restaurants and has plenty of safe, off-street parking.

• From Sacramento take I-5 North to the Main Street exit. Turn left and continue one mile to downtown Woodland.
• From the Bay Area, Dixon-Vacaville area, take I-80 East to Highway 113 North (Woodland Exit). Continue 9 miles to the Main Street Exit. Turn left and continue one mile to the downtown area.

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William B. Ide was named president of the short-lived California Bear Republic – which lasted for 22 days. The adobe memorial to him is located in a picnic area overlooking the Sacramento River. The park features the old adobe home, carriage shed, blacksmith shop and a small visitor center. Location-Directions

The park is south of Redding, two miles northeast of Red Bluff on Adobe Road.

Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing

Summer and spring are warm; fall and winter can be cool. Layered clothing is advised.

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