This 1,732-acre U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-owned property known as the Llano Seco Unit is a no fee area. The Llano Seco Unit offers wildlife viewing, a short walking trail and photographic opportunities for visitors. The 1-mile trail (1/2 mile out and back) departs from the Observation Deck at the Visitor Area located on 7-Mile Lane, just 15 minutes southwest of the city of Chico.  The trail takes you through the wetlands to an Observation Mound with a picnic table. From October – February you will find great viewing of sandhill cranes and waterfowl. There is very limited shade in this wetlands area, so we highly recommend proper head coverings and sunscreen. Also be prepared with insect repellant.
From Redding, Llano Seco Unit is a 90-minute driving south on I-5 to, to Orland turn east on SR-32, to Hamilton City turn south on SR-45, to Ord Ferry Road turn east and continue 5.2 miles, and turn south at 7-Mile Lane for 2.2 miles to your final destination. Here is a pin drop of the location: Llano_Seco_Unit_NWR_Location
If you have never visited Llano Seco before, I think you will be pleased with the access of two Observation Decks which are a half-a-mile apart, and the easy access trail that provides great views from the center of the upper Sacramento Valley.
Llano_Seco_NWR_Visitor_Guide

The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge is a national gem, well worth the short, 90 mile drive to Willows. Enormous numbers of waterfowl fill the sky and the impoundments in fall and winter. Snow, Ross’s and Greater White-fronted Geese, Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers and Gadwalls are assured. Possibilities are White-faced Ibis, Green-winged and Cinnamon Teal, Black-necked Stilts and various raptors, including Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon. We will begin the morning walking the two mile Wetland Walk Trail next to the visitor center, then drive the auto tour route, stopping at the observation platform for lunch. We will provide 2-way radios to report sightings to all vehicles along the way. Meet your leader Larry Jordan at 6:30 am sharp at Kutras Park on Park Marina Drive to carpool or at the visitor center at 7:45 am, and bring a lunch for this full-day trip. Fees to enter the refuge are $6 per car for the day. Most carpool drivers have senior lifetime passes and can enter for no additional fee. For more information email webmaster@shastabirdingsociety.org

Each fall, millions of waterfowl migrate south from places as far as Alaska and Russia. Several hundred thousand waterfowl and other migratory birds, including bald eagles, spend their entire winter at the Sacramento NWR. These free programs offer unique opportunities for viewing and learning about wildlife.

Refuge staff and volunteers will be providing a variety of programs and activities over the holiday break. View examples of ducks, geese, beaks, and feet up close to assist with sketching waterfowl for the Junior Duck Stamp Program. Become a Junior Refuge Ranger by completing an activity booklet that educates and empowers youth to be environmental stewards. Create a snow goose craft or a nature journal.

All programs are free. Admission to the Sacramento NWR is $6 per car. An annual pass is $12 and a Federal Duck Stamp is $25. The America the Beautiful Interagency Pass, Senior Pass (formerly known as golden age pass), Access Pass, Active Military Pass, and Every Kid in a Park Pass are also accepted. The visitors center is located parallel to the Interstate 5 just 6 miles south of Willows.

The visitor center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. through the end of February and is closed on federal holidays. The auto tour is open daily from 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset. For more information, please call the Sacramento NWR at 530-934-2801 or email at: sacramentovalleyrefuges@fws.gov

This nationally known gem is well worth the 90-mile drive. Enormous numbers of waterfowl fill the sky and numerous impoundments in fall and winter. Snow, Ross’ and Greater White-fronted Geese, Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers and Gadwalls are assured. Possibilities are White-faced Ibis, Green-winged Teal, Black-necked Stilts and various raptors. We hope to provide 2-way radios to report sightings and alert people in other cars to look for them. Most of the birding is done from cars. Meet at Kutras Park on Park Marina Drive to carpool. (See map.) Bring a lunch for this full-day trip. Mike Carion will lead.