Willow Creek Recreation Area

Such a great spot, but as many note, the parking lot is pretty small. Weekdays aren't too much an issue, but weekends certainly are as you approach mid-morning. Get there early! $10 to park, and if you don't have cash there's an online option. Has restrooms, cleaner than average, and helpful people if you don't have a pump or something like that if needed.

Great place to launch a kayak! We went for a paddle today, and launched at Willow Creek. We arrived at about 9:15 am on a Friday morning, and although there were a number of people already there, there was still plenty of parking. Willow Creek has a small dock, and a small launch area, which is very easy to access. We paid our $10 parking fee, put in the water, and had a great paddle. We paddled east today, and saw some geese, a few nice-sized fish in the water (a carp and a trout, I believe). Someone told us there was an eagle nest along the way, but we didn't see it. It was great to get out on Lake Natomas again. Just a note, when we left at about 11:00, the parking lot was full.

I am new to the area and love to kayak. This is a great launch point we arrived a little after 8 and took a few to get into the water. It costs $10 to park in the lot, just like other reviews the lot is small but it was wide open at 830, by the time we left at 1130 the county had put a sign on the road saying lot full. I mean take a chance because there were three spots from us early birds.

Willow Creek is a fantastic place to launch your kayak or SUP and is the halfway mark along the length of Lake Natoma.It's a much smaller access point than Nimbus or Black Miners Bar (formerly Negro Bar) and has considerably less water traffic, likely due to the tiny dock and shallow cove. Larger watercraft, like sailboats, can't launch from here. Parking can be challenging because the lot is so much smaller compared to the other launch points and fills up very early. If you snooze you might lose, so I recommend getting there before 9am on a weekend.If you're launching your kayak or SUP from Willow Creek it's a breeze for staging. You are mere footsteps from the parking lot to the dock, with bathrooms and trash cans also close by.There are two large, covered group picnic areas and also a couple of shaded picnic benches at this recreation area to enjoy your lunch. Or better yet, paddle across from the dock to the island and climb up to the top to have a great panoramic view of Lake Natoma. Don't forget your Golden Poppy Pass to be able to park for free!

First time iSUP during the BIG melt this season. We listened to the experienced paddlers in our area and opted to stay away from BMB until the water slows down. We ended up at Willow Creek and I am proud to say we had a great first time experience. The lagoon is calm and a great place to get around if you're afraid or weary to go out towards the bigger areas. Lots of wildlife, even in that small area. The launch area is small so please be patient and courteous- especially if newbies. We're an awkward bunch lol As recent transplants to this town, we are excited to enjoy the great outdoors & recreation Folsom has to offer. You can pay for parking using your phone. Check the bulletin board at the entrance of the lot for instructions- &10/day - it's an honor system. I didn't see any rangers checking but they may sneak in and ticket you if you're on the water. Better to just pay IMO. Don't forget your PFD, leash, water and a Buddy if you can. Be safe.

The hiking trails surrounding Willow Creek are just lovely-- who doesn't love a well-shaded walk by the river? In a few weeks, the wooden bridges will be coated with yellow leaves. A few weeks after that, all kinds of mushrooms should be popping up on the paths. In Spring, Willow Creek is one of my favorite places to find turtles and beavers, both of whom seem to be particularly fond of this domain.I love Willow Creek Recreation Area. The reason I'm giving it four stars is that I feel that the day use prices are inaccessible for poor families, which, in my opinion, makes it a less valuable community resource. Natural resources should be accessible to everyone. To the best of my knowledge, it is still free to walk, hike, or cycle in, but there aren't any great nearby places to park, as the only entrance is a poorly marked road on Folsom Blvd, with no adjacent public businesses. Personally, I tend to access Willow Creek Recreation Area from the Lake Natoma Bike Trail, which spans the river between Nimbus Dam and Sutter Street. As other people have mentioned, the bathrooms are not well-maintained, especially considering the day-use fee. This is likely because of its ideal pit-stop location for cyclists, whose restroom options only deteriorate as they continue to ride west. There aren't many great picnic options at the actual recreation area, but there are several private shaded tables in every direction on the trails.

First time kayaking. It's pretty decent. Limited parking so be aware. Cost $10 cash (no change; have to put in an envelope). Be aware that only certain parking passes cover this place. Easy walk to the dock to get into river. I doubt you need a life jacket, but always recommended. Currents aren't too strong but careful on the way back. We ended up kayaking and paddle boarding. Saw the sunset. Nice and relaxing. They have recycle bin near by as well

Willow Creek is a smaller and less busy access point to launch your paddle board or kayak onto Lake Natomas. There is usually of plenty of parking available, but it does fill up on the warmer weekends. You do have to pay for parking (honor system $10 I believe $, or if you have the poppy parking pass it is valid here . The have a bathroom available and the usually have some life vests by the dock you can borrow. Dogs are allowed on Lake Natomas. It's a pretty perfect way to spend a warm lazy afternoon floating about. :)

This was a great place to come for my first time kayaking. I got here on the perfect day. Pay for your permit people, if you are new like me, there is a little Mail box like thing where you open it and you fill the permit out $10, daily, and you put CASH in this little envelope. Make sure you have a pen. Anyway umm people are super friendly and you can go ahead and ask anyone.

The fishing here is ABSOLUTELY rancid. You could cast a cast net and not catch a single minnow. Not to mention that the damn dock is broken in hald barely holding on to dear life and covered in duck shxt. Whole place smells like wet cheese but very nice people here.. welcoming folks with their doggos which is why its 2 stars. The toilets had feces smeared the last time i was there. Its always so crowded too for no reason. Only come here if you love the smell of feces and rotten cheese. DONT COME HERE FOR FISHING. A puddle from the rain will give you more chances then this place. Back in 2022 The fishing was AWESOME. Fish after fish.