These two accesses are only a mile and a half apart and are connected by a paved bike trail as well as informal trails through the riparian forest. This is a relatively narrow section of the parkway; but there are nice stands of cottonwoods with native understory and flooded backwaters.
Black Phoebe, Image by Mary Forrestal
Birding the sites: From the parking lot at the Howe access, you can walk downstream toward California State University, Sacramento, or upstream toward Watt Avenue. Following a service road downstream under the Howe Avenue bridge, you will come to a stand of cottonwoods and an isolated pond where you may find Wood Ducks. From the Watt Avenue access, there is a particularly nice stand of cottonwoods with an understory of Santa Barbara sedge. Informal trails provide access to the forest; this is a good area in winter for sparrows and wrens. During spring and fall migration, look for warblers, vireos and flycatchers in the oaks, willows, and cottonwoods. Between the two accesses, there are several spots where the bike trail overlooks flooded backwaters below. These are good sites to see Wood Ducks, Belted Kingfishers, Green Herons, and Black Phoebes. eBird Sightings - Howe Ave, Watt Ave
Directions: From downtown Sacramento, take Highway 50 east for 5.3 miles from Interstate 5 and exit at Howe Avenue. Turn left (north) on Howe Avenue, then veer right onto La Riviera Drive just before reaching the Howe Avenue bridge. At the stoplight, go straight into the Howe Ave Access parking area. Follow the road over the levee and down to the parking lot. There is a permit machine located at the entrance to the lot.
Western Bluebird, Image by Larry Hickey
For the Watt Avenue access, take Highway 50 east for 7.0 miles from Interstate 5, and take the Watt Avenue exit north. Veer right onto La Riviera Drive just before reaching the Watt Avenue bridge. Turn left at the stop light, driving west on La Riviera for only 75 yards, and before reaching the Watt Ave bridge, make a right turn into the Watt Avenue access. There is a parking permit machine located on the right just before you go over the levee. Follow the road over the levee and down to the parking area.
The entrance fee is currently $7 per vehicle (or a $70 annual pass).