Sacramento River Refuge is located along the Sacramento River in the Sacramento Valley of California. Landscape is very flat, bordered by the Sierra and Coast ranges, with intensive agriculture (rice, with walnut, almond, and prune orchards along the river). This riparian community is one of the most important wildlife habitats in California and North America. The refuge is currently in an active acquisition phase, and includes the Llano Seco Unit. Large-scale riparian habitat restoration is ongoing. Riparian habitat along the Sacramento River is critically important for various threatened species, fisheries, migratory birds, plants, and the natural system of the river itself. There has been an 85% reduction of riparian vegetation throughout the Sacramento Valley and foothills region, and probably over a 95 percent reduction along this area's major river systems. The relatively small amount of riparian woodlands that remains provides a strikingly disproportionate amount of habitat value for wildlife.

From Highway 99E in Gridley, travel north approximately 9 miles. Turn west on Highway 162, and travel approximately 12 miles to Road Z. Turn north and travel approximately 11 miles to the Sacramento River Refuge entrance. From Chico, take Dayton Road south approximately 5 miles, turn west onto Ord Ferry Road. Continue west approximately 3 miles; turn south onto Seven-mile Lane. Travel 2 miles to the Unit entrance.