Lake Solano County Park

View from a canoe, and Lake Solano too; looking west towards the bridge.

Lake Solano is a reservoir on Putah Creek in the coastal foothills west of Winters on the boundary between Yolo County and Solano County. It sees more than 200,000 visitors per year. It is good for activities on or off the water. Some popular activities include: Bicycling, Bird watching, Boating (no motors allowed), Camping (RV and tent), Fishing, Hiking, Picnicking and Barbecuing (enormous barbecue pits), Sunbathing, Swimming, Wildlife photography. See the road map, satellite map and topographic map.

They rent boats paddle, canoes, sit on kayaks for $10/hour. Day use parking is $6 for the day as of July 2015. If you have your own boat there is no launch fee.

If you get out on the water you can either go upstream under the bridge which will let you go up to the island, or downstream to the diversion dam. The water tends to be very calm and can be surprisingly clear at times.

There is a surprising amount of wildlife around the lake; mostly waterfowl and other birds, but also legions of squirrels and even some deer (no hunting!). Of course, the most common wildlife is the type that likes to feed off the crumbs and handouts of fat picnickers.

Photos

Peacocks thrive at Lake Solano. Lots of squirrels too. The proverbial ducks in a row. There is a nice wooded path along the creek with stunning views.

Features

Bridge

Under the southern end of the bridge is a mural.

The bridge is located on the road that divides the park between the sides picnic and campings. People fish from the bridge, and even when they are not there the array of fishing lures caught up in the high voltage wires that also cross the water testifies to their having been there.

Camping

The camp grounds are a decent place to spend the night with friends. You can bring up to two cars per campsite. The place is a little family oriented, so try to not be too loud after lights out.

Rules and General Info Campgrounds Map.

Diversion Dam

The diversion dam.

At the lower end of the lake is the diversion dam that controls the water, splitting it between agricultural usage in Solano County and the waters that flow down Putah Creek.

New Zealand Mudsnail Infestation

click to view full size

An infestation of New Zealand Mudsnails was discovered on October 30th, 2003.

Trip Reports

• Lake Solano County Park hiking trails - BRT Insights 04march2013
• Me and My Dog: Lake Solano County Park and Campground 23jan2013
• A Brush with Color: Lake Solano Campground 15june2012
• Herb's Blog: Biking to Lake Solano Park 16april2012
• Camper Van Extravaganza! Day 8 - Lake Mendocino to Lake Solano - AWOL in Atlanta 08jan2012
• Kelley L Cox: Drive to Lake Solano 17march2010
• 2 Wheel Turner: Lake Solano 05july2008
• Out In Nature: A Review of Lake Solano Park 09april2008
• Lake Solano - Oh, Ranger!

See more:

Hiking in Solano County, Lake_Solano, Trailheads map - Solano County.