A Swimming Hole in Lower Bidwell Park

Lower Bidwell Park is the portion of Bidwell Park that is west of Manzanita Avenue. It is perhaps most well known for multitudes of picnic sites (many of which are disabled persons accessible), swimming, running, and road biking along flat pathways. If you pass under Highway 99, you'll see murals that blend in with the natural surroundings. On any given day there are birthday parties and social gatherings taking advantage of the densely shaded and cool lower park. Be aware if you are planning a gathering that all glass containers are banned from city parks per the municipal code. For kids there is a soccer, baseball field, and the intricate Caper Acres Playground. At Caper Acres Playground, kids can pretend they're king of a castle, enjoy a wacky slide, and crawl through a mysterious tunnel.

Many events occur at lower Bidwell Park the Endangered Species Faire. Many local groups also hold events to help create public awareness such as "Back to School Safety Day" and remembering the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The leisurely walk all around Lower Park is roughly 6 miles roundtrip and cars are comfortably few on pathways that allow them. Public bathrooms and water fountains are available in certain locations (by Sycamore Pool, in the Chico Creek Nature Center, and just across Manazita Avenue). Parking is available in convenient locations.

Areas of Lower Park

Activities in Lower Park

Bidwell Park Offers Many Accessible Picnic Areas

  • Biking
  • Grill a Meal
  • Commune with Nature
  • Swimming — anywhere you can find or in Sycamore Pool (actually part of the creek!) at One Mile Recreation Area. Please avoid building "check dams" to create pools as this disturbs the riparian ecosystem.
  • Picnics
  • Playground Fun
  • Walking, Jogging, Running
  • Read the placards by each bench along the pathways
  • Special Events
  • Vita Course

Regular Events

Getting There

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