Nimbus Fish Hatchery

If you are in the Sacramento Valley of sunny California and are looking for a unique place to hike with your fur-ever friend, look no further than the Nimbus Fish Hatchery. You will get a great outdoor adventure and a bit of education to boot!

Located in Rancho Cordova, the Fish Hatchery offers a puptastic nature and educational trail which you can pick up near the visitor’s center. This hatchery replenishes the Chinook salmon and steelhead fish to the American River each year since the upstream dam, built in the last 1950’s, curtailed their spawning areas. 

Travel along the American River with Fido on the River Discovery Trail which will take you on a 0.25-mile trek. Here you will be offered wildlife viewing and information about the hatchery, and area amenities as well. If you would like to extend your hike, the River Discovery Trail connects to the American River Parkway trail, which features additional miles of hiking throughout the city of Sacramento, continuing along the river.

The trail is paved and is perfect for any pup-ability, and offers handicapped access.  There are lots of shade trees, benches to sit and enjoy each other’s company, and plenty of wildlife. Deer and river otters live here, which are a pleasure to sit and watch.

Other amenities of the hatchery include learning about fish biology and river conservation through informative tours and interactive exhibits. There is a spawning deck overlook and a playscape for the youngsters. Restrooms and drinking fountains can be found here, as well as picnic facilities. Pups are welcome on leash throughout the grounds and, of course, on the trail itself. Be sure to bring water and clean up bags.

Head to the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and take a stroll with your pawtastic pup. You will not be disappointed!