Chico

Chico, California, United States

The Sacramento River is the largest in California, and the section of it running through Butte County is home to hundreds of acres of protected riparian habitat. It’s a great getaway in its own right when it comes to fishing or wildlife watching, but around these parts, it’s best known as the waterway locals utilize to hop in, cool off and let the current carry them. Tubing the Sacramento River through Chico is a summertime favorite and one of the best things to do in Northern California!

When temperatures soar into the triple digits in Chico, going floating isn’t just one of the best ways to spend a few hours—it’s one of the few that’s actually enjoyable to do outdoors. Once you load up on sunscreen and pack a cooler, you’re all but ready for one of this area’s most cherished afternoon pastimes.

The Pine Creek Area is also home to Scotty's Landing, Butte County's well-known riverside restaurant. If you don’t want your float to end quite as quickly, make a pit stop at the aptly named Beer Can Beach just before reaching Scotty’s.

Or, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can start your float at Woodson Bridge State Recreation area, a whopping 19 river miles north of Irvine Finch. It makes for a significantly longer tubing excursion, but it does feature gorgeous snapshots of the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge system complete with a massive diversity of birds and mammals.

However you choose to float this summer, have fun, be safe, and be sure to take in the picturesque scenery that surrounds you as you effortlessly travel down the river.