Basics
- Location:
- South of Sacramento through the Delta region of California
- Surface:
- Paved
- Length:
- 45 miles (72 km)
- Time:
- 1 hour
- Season:
- Drivable year round
- Fees:
- As of July 2002, a $2.00 fee is required to cross the Antioch Toll Bridge, at the south end of the byway.
Description
Route 160—River Road Scenic Byway is a rural road that meanders through California's Delta, a complex system of rivers, channels, and canals from the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. The Delta is a historic and agricultural area filled with pretty scenery and quaint towns.
Route 160—River Road Scenic Byway begins at the junction of HWY 4 and HWY 160 at the Antioch Toll Bridge. Follow HWY 160 the entire way until the byway ends at the southern city limits of Sacramento where HWY 160 intersects I-5.
Water activities are as abundant as the wildlife on the Delta and the Brannan Island State Recreation Area is probably the best place to stop to get a sense for recreation in this region. The park is a series of channels and canals and has many islands and marshes containing different wildlife habitats and many recreational opportunities. Also, Isleton is a great town to stop in, home to many resorts and restaurants.
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Antioch (CA)
Antioch, founded in 1849, is located at the juncture of the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers. Antioch is a melting pot for marine activities. The city boasts marinas, boatyards, several yacht clubs, and many launches and overlooks from which the traveler can enjoy the rivers. There is a public fishing pier in town, and another out near the Antioch Bridge.
Directions
Near the intersection of Routes 4 and 160.
Brannan Island State Recreation Area (CA)
Brannan Island State Recreation Area is actually a maze of waterways through California Delta. The area has countless islands and marshes, providing great recreational opportunities and many diverse wildlife habitats. Boating, windsurfing, fishing, and swimming are some of the more popular activities in the area. Lucky anglers can enjoy striped bass, sturgeon, catfish, bluegill, perch,and bullhead.
Directions
Route 160
Courtland (CA)
Courtland is a quiet river town in the heart of many pear orchards. The town, located on the east bank of the Sacramento River, is home to the gala Courtland Pear Fair each year, on the last Sunday in July.
Directions
Route 160
Franks Tract State Recreation Area (CA)
Frank's Tract State Recreation Area is a protected wetland marsh, only accessible by water. The area is home to beaver,muskrat, river otter, mink, and over 70 species of birds. During the fall and winter, a large variety of waterfowl can be found in Franks Tract. The Delta holds a key position in the Pacific flyway.Year round residents include gulls, great blue herons, terns,swallows, crows, blackbirds, cormorants and kingfishers.
Directions
Sacramento County
Isleton (CA)
Isleton is a small river town located on the east side of the Sacramento River. The town typically features a half-dozen restaurants, allowing for a quaint dining stop along the River Road. Isleton's Chinatown offers shops, antique stores, arts and crafts shops, and other interesting businesses. The town also hosts several nearby resorts and marinas.
Directions
Route 160
Rio Vista (CA)
Directions
Route 160
Sacramento (CA)
The River Road's northern endpoint falls just south of the large city of Sacramento. Today, Sacramento is a thriving metropolis,containing all manner of services and activities. However, the city is not too big to forget its humble beginnings, and attributes much to the river which Route 160 follows.
Directions
Just north of the byway
Walnut Grove (CA)
The delightful town of Walnut Grove is significant as both an agricultural town and a popular center for marine activities. In fact, Walnut Grove and nearby Locke are favorite stops for visiting boaters. The area contains many marinas and marine facilities, and has a merchants guest dock. A major portion of Walnut Grove faces the Sacramento River, while another part of the river town faces Snodgrass Slough and other waterways, including the Meadows anchorage area, Lost Slough, and the Mokelumne River. In addition,Walnut Grove hosts the annual Walnut Grove Catfish Jubilee, every last Sunday in August.
Directions
Route 160
