Near Williams, Colusa Wildlife Refuge’s Three-Mile Drive Offers Fall Birdwatching

WILLIAMS, Colusa County — Residents and visitors looking for an outdoor activity can explore the Colusa National Wildlife Refuge just east of Williams along Highway 20. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides a three-mile auto tour through wetlands and riparian habitat, with opportunities to observe migratory birds.

The federal visitor guide lists auto-tour access year-round, from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. These hours may change due to maintenance, flooding or emergency restrictions.

How do people reach the viewing area?

FWS directions advise drivers to leave Interstate 5 at the Highway 20 exit in Williams, travel about 6.7 miles east, and turn right onto O’Hair Road. Follow posted refuge directions to the public visitor area. Farm roads and adjacent private lands should not be treated as alternative trailheads.

Stay in the car on the auto tour

The Fish and Wildlife Service requires people to remain inside their vehicles throughout the Colusa auto tour. The posted road speed limit is 15 mph. Walking alongside the tour route is prohibited, and vehicles must follow the one-way sections. These rules limit disturbance to resting and feeding wildlife.

The site offers a separate walking trail and observation facilities. Dogs are allowed under federal rules but must remain inside vehicles during the auto tour. Drones are prohibited on refuge property.

Before the visit

Pack binoculars, drinking water and a camera. FWS says the auto tour has no potable water. Birds are not guaranteed to appear at any given time. See the official refuge visitor page for trail conditions, access policies and seasonal programs. Overnight camping is not permitted on these designated day-use grounds.

Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex Auto Tours and Colusa Refuge Visit Us and Directions materials. No live count of birds or guarantee of day-of access is claimed.

YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER NEEDS YOU

Help this community newspaper grow

Your support helps build coverage for the people and places this local newspaper serves.

Donate once by card ↗

Help Williams News grow Help strengthen reporting on Williams: community voices, important decisions and local life.

Support Williams News

Choose how to support Williams News:

Credit / Debit Card via Stripe

Choose an amount from $1. One-time support through the publisher's LINKERNO Stripe account.

Continue with PayPal Continue with Zelle

Zelle payments go to Vitaly Ataev Troshin. Please verify the recipient in your bank before sending. Availability depends on your bank.

Optional reader support. When possible, add “Williams News” to the payment note. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible. Support does not influence editorial decisions.

Optional support through the publisher. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible and never buy editorial influence.

Williams News — Your Community Newspaper

Have a correction, news tip, local announcement, or story to submit? Contact our editorial team. All submissions are reviewed before publication.