National wildlife refuge

Sutter National Wildlife Refuge

Sutter National Wildlife Refuge is a national wildlife refuge in Sutter County, California run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex. There is no entrance fee. Hours: Seasonal trails February 15 to June 30, 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset, every day of the year.

Check current closures and fire restrictions for Sutter National Wildlife Refuge on the managing agency's own page.

Sutter National Wildlife Refuge
Photo: Lora Haller/USFW, Public domain

Sutter National Wildlife Refuge map

Sutter National Wildlife Refuge boundary from USGS PAD-US or the managing agency, simplified for display. Not for navigation or legal boundaries.

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Fire restrictions

Fire restrictions change with the season and can start or lift within days. Check the current orders for this area before any campfire, stove, smoking, target shooting or off-road driving.

Common questions

Only at set times. Hours at Sutter National Wildlife Refuge: Seasonal trails February 15 to June 30, 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset, every day of the year.
No. There is no entrance fee at Sutter National Wildlife Refuge.
No. Hunting is not allowed on Sutter National Wildlife Refuge. General public hunting not available where refuge access is closed or permit-only.
No. Fishing is not allowed on Sutter National Wildlife Refuge. No public fishing where refuge lands are closed to entry.
Yes. Dogs are allowed on Sutter National Wildlife Refuge on a leash. Leashed pets allowed on signed trails and roads unless posted otherwise.
Yes. The refuge has an auto tour route, Sutter NWR seasonal auto access roads.

Hours, fees, and visitor center

Hours at Sutter National Wildlife Refuge: Seasonal trails February 15 to June 30, 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset, every day of the year.

There is no entrance fee at Sutter National Wildlife Refuge.

What visitors do here: an auto tour route, birding, environmental education, fishing, hiking, hunting, photography, wildlife viewing.

Sources: fws.gov/refuge/sacramento/visit-us, checked 2026-09-29; fws.gov/refuge/sutter/visit-us, checked 2026-09-29.

Auto tour route

  • Sutter NWR seasonal auto access roadsSeasonal access to trailheads via Hughes Road and Bypass Levee Road per complex brochure

Source: fws.gov/refuge/sutter/visit-us, checked 2026-09-29.

Wildlife

  • BirdWaterfowlWhen: winterPeak concentrations during Pacific Flyway migration
  • BirdShorebirdsWhen: spring and fallMudflats and shallow wetlands during migration

Hunting

Hunting is not allowed on Sutter National Wildlife Refuge. General public hunting not available where refuge access is closed or permit-only.

Hunting rules for Sutter National Wildlife Refuge

Source: fws.gov/refuge/sutter/visit-us, checked 2026-09-29.

Fishing and boating

Fishing is not allowed on Sutter National Wildlife Refuge. No public fishing where refuge lands are closed to entry.

Source: fws.gov/refuge/sutter/visit-us, checked 2026-09-29.

Pets

Dogs are allowed on Sutter National Wildlife Refuge on a leash. Leashed pets allowed on signed trails and roads unless posted otherwise.

Source: fws.gov/refuge/sutter/visit-us, checked 2026-09-29.

Trails

  • Seasonal Trails(6 mi) closed part of the year Open February 15 to June 30; otherwise viewing limited to Hughes Road

Source: fws.gov/refuge/sutter/visit-us, checked 2026-09-29.

Places on the refuge

  • PlaceParking Area B trailheadSeasonal trail access on the east side of the Sutter Bypass levee

Source: fws.gov/refuge/sutter/visit-us, checked 2026-09-29.