Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area containing 17,641 acres of wetlands, grasslands, and freshwater lakes in the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta system. The land includes multiple habitats that support walking trails, observation, and water-based recreation.

The refuge was established in 1994 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect Central Valley habitats from urban expansion. Its creation reflected efforts to preserve natural landscapes threatened by regional development.

The refuge functions as an educational center where local volunteers guide visitors through grasslands and waterways during weekend nature programs.

The refuge is open daily and visitors can explore trails and take part in seasonal activities like guided tours and paddling. The best time to visit is during bird migration periods when the most species are present in the area.

The refuge hosts over 200 bird species and contains some of the last remaining natural freshwater lakes in California's Central Valley. These intact lakes offer rare chances to see freshwater ecosystems in a region where they have nearly disappeared.

Location: Sacramento County

Inception: 1994

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/stone_lakes

GPS coordinates: 38.36520,-121.49300

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:05