Gray Lodge Wildlife Area

There’s not a lot of hiking near Yuba, unless you want to drive a while. Shea-​dog and I had a notion to go get some exercise on a beautiful sunny winter day and this was close and had some good Unilocal reviews. I don’t hunt, but I’m not weirded out by it, so despite that this is a «wildlife preserve» and a hunting spot, I was not deterred. If the sound of shotguns or the sight of dead innocent waterfowl aren’t your thing, mosey on (we heard a lot of shot, but didn’t actually SEE anything get shot). There are a couple different things you can do here. Hunting and fishing, obviously, or choose the tree-​hugger route and take a walk (or car ride).
I didn’t do the car-​loop so I can’t comment, but there are two trails you can take: one that’s less than a mile, and one that’s two miles, and you just cruise around and check out the scenery and animal life. It’s pretty tame, active wise, and there are bathrooms and trashcans everywhere.
It’s a great place to take pictures, and there are blinds you can hide in, though the birds didn’t seem to notice that we were there regardless.
It costs 4 bucks to get in (it’s a good cause), or free if you’ve got a hunting or fishing license. Depending on the season, there is an extra fee for hunters.
They also have a little museum on the premises. It’s a nice thing to do when you feel like being outside.

good place to see ducks of many kind. My family loves to go here and watch the birds annually. Never a dull moment in nature. Enjoy

This refuge, located on the Pacific Flyway, is a wonderful destination for birders, photographers and hunters. I believe the birds are safe once they get past the hunters and land in the reserve. This year I went in November to photograph birds. While I did not get a once-​in-​a-​lifetime shot, or, for that matter, a prize winner, I did enjoy the time I spent here.
Why you might want to visit this wildlife refuge.
It is close to both the Greater Bay Area and the Sacramento Metro Area.
Waterfowl start their migration in the fall and many birds spend the winter in the fields inside the reserve.
The Sutter Buttes, which are on private land, are close to the reserve and makes a perfect backdrop for the flooded fields that the birds congregate in.
There are blinds that you can use for either photography or bird watching.
There are walking trails and lookout points.
The one-​way road is well maintained, has views from both sides of your vehicle, and a few pull out areas where you can stop your car.
The primordial sounds of birds chattering and wings fills the air until an enemy, a hawk or perhaps an eagle, is nearby and then there is silence.
There is always the possibility of a great sunset. The red sky reflects on ponds filled with birds and birds fly across the sunset.
One caveat for the squeamish: There is hunting all around the reserve and the sound of gun fire can be heard and on occasion you might see a falling bird.

Located approximately 60 miles north of Sacramento, Gray Lodge’s diversity and location along the Pacific Flyway make it a heaven for wildlife. Surrounded by miles of rich agricultural lands, this 9,100-acre area is managed for the wildlife that call Gray Lodge home for all or part of the year.
An hour 30 minutes beautiful drive from Sactown. Wildlife viewing is available all year on this wildlife wonderland. In the fall and winter a vast number of migratory waterfowl fill the sanctuary with lively chatter and incredible sights. For the more avid photographers and viewers, a seasonal blind is available by reservation. Hunters enjoy the many species of wildlife they may take during the regulated hunting seasons. Fishing is also a highlight in the spring and summer. It’s too darn hot in August — you’ve got to get here at 5am to really see the action. So, stick to spring, fall, winter.