Putah Creek State Wildlife Area

Putah Creek State Wildlife Area is a protected space with about 673 acres of rolling terrain shaped by cottonwood forests along the creek, blue oak woodlands, and chaparral brush. The landscape spans multiple elevations and creates a varied mosaic of habitats that support different plant and animal communities.

The land was acquired by the California Wildlife Conservation Board through two separate purchases in 1978 and 1979, then officially designated as a wildlife area in 1981. These acquisitions created a protected space for natural habitat and wildlife along Putah Creek.

Researchers and students utilize the area for ecological studies, focusing on local wildlife species including California towhee, Bullock's oriole, and black-headed grosbeak.

The area is accessed via Highway 128 near Monticello Dam, with parking available along roadsides near the highway. The main trails begin on the south side of the road, making it straightforward to locate the entry points.

The meeting point of Putah Creek and Cold Creek creates a boundary zone between different habitat types, known for supporting concentrated biodiversity. This natural junction of waterways produces conditions that allow specialized species to thrive in this transition area.