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About the Parkway

Parks

Sycamore Island Ranch
Now operated by Falcontail Enterprises
Open February 1, 2008 through October
Fridays 12noon-dusk; Saturday-Sunday 6am-dusk
$9 for day use, $5 for boat launch, $2 portage fee

Sycamore Island Ranch is a 350-acre natural area conveniently located in Madera near Valley Children's Hospital along the San Joaquin River.

  • Fishing - One of the best fishing spots along the San Joaquin River and home to a variety of species of fish (bass, catfish, blue gill and crappie)
  • Trails - Nature trails for wildlife observation and relaxing walks
  • Picnicking - Picnicking under the shade of huge Sycamore and Oak trees
  • Amenities - restrooms, bait shop and refreshments are available

For more information, please call (559) 696-9170.

Camp Pashayan
2008 fees and dates TBA

At the western end of the Parkway, amongst the majestic oaks, cottonwoods, and sycamore trees, lies Kiwanis Camp Pashayan. Once a Boy Scout camp, the California Department of Fish and Game and the River Parkway Trust now jointly own this 31-acre natural area.  The park is conveniently located near Herndon Avenue and Highway 99.  Amenities include: ample parking, clean restrooms, nature trail, fishing and boating access (no outboards - electric trolling motors and human-powered craft only), picnic site rentals and party rentals.

Woodward Park
$3/vehicle, $4 with horse trailer
Open daily, 7am-10pm, April-September
 Open daily, 7am-7pm, October-March
 Take Highway 41 north, exit right on Friant road, left on Audubon, right into park.
This beautiful park is operated by the City of Fresno and offers many amenities, including restrooms, picnic sites with barbecues, several ponds and streams, the Shin Zen Friendship Garden, 3 playgrounds, and access to the Lewis S. Eaton Trail and Jensen River Ranch.  Woodward Park also has a designated equestrian area on the east side of the park, with trailer parking, water, and access to the Lewis S. Eaton Trail and the loop trail at Jensen River Ranch.

Jensen River Ranch
Open daily
Below the Woodward Park bluffs lies Jensen River Ranch, a 167-acre property owned by the San Joaquin River Conservancy. The River Parkway Trust is currently working on a restoration plan for the site that will include habitat restoration, a trail network, and picnic sites near the river. For now, the property is accessible to pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians from the Lewis S. Eaton Trail and through Woodward Park. River access is currently available via an interim loop trail, which runs between the two pastures, along the riverbank, and then back toward the bluffs. While you're on the loop trail, be sure to look for Mexican Elderberry bushes, host to the Threatened Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle.

Lost Lake Park
$4/vehicle
 Open daily, 7am-10pm, April-September
 Open daily, 7am-7pm, October-March
Take Highway 41 north to Friant Road. Follow Friant east 8 miles, park entrance will be on your left.
This 305-acre county park features riverfront picnic & barbecue facilities, restrooms, open wildlife habitat, boat launch, and a self-guided nature trail. Along the trail you’ll witness a variety of bird life as well as native American grinding holes in the boulders bordering the river. Straight across the river from the south end of the picnic area, you will see a tree that is home to a large flock of black-crowned night herons. Snowy egrets, Great Blue Herons and even an occasional bobcat can be spotted in the undeveloped areas of the park.

Fort Washington Beach
Daily fee: $3/person ages 12 & up, $1/person ages 6-12, children under 6 free
Parking fee: $3/car
 Open daily, 6am-dusk
This privately-operated park, located at the end of Lanes Road, provides river access, picnic areas, and camping.  For more information or directions, call (559) 434-9600.

Wildwood Native Park
Free
Open every Friday-Sunday and holidays, 7am-7pm
Take Hwy. 41 north, exit Rio Mesa, turn right onto frontage road, turn left on access road for Cobb's Tree Farm and Wildwood Mobile Home park, gate for Wildwood Native Park is straight ahead.
This park is owned by the San Joaquin River Conservancy and managed by the City of Fresno. Amenities include restrooms, parking and river access for boating (hand carried craft only) and fishing. For more information, you can contact the Conservancy at (559) 253-7324.