1. Willow Creek Recreation Area

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Folsom, CA

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Willow Creek Recreation Area

4.4 (19 reviews)

Willow Creek Recreation Area Photos

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Small dock for launching your kayak or SUP
Bridget W.

Willow Creek is a fantastic place to launch your kayak or SUP and is the halfway mark along the length of Lake Natoma. It's a much smaller access point than Nimbus or Black Miners Bar (formerly Negro Bar) and has considerably less water traffic, likely due to the tiny dock and shallow cove. Larger watercraft, like sailboats, can't launch from here. Parking can be challenging because the lot is so much smaller compared to the other launch points and fills up very early. If you snooze you might lose, so I recommend getting there before 9am on a weekend. If you're launching your kayak or SUP from Willow Creek it's a breeze for staging. You are mere footsteps from the parking lot to the dock, with bathrooms and trash cans also close by. There are two large, covered group picnic areas and also a couple of shaded picnic benches at this recreation area to enjoy your lunch. Or better yet, paddle across from the dock to the island and climb up to the top to have a great panoramic view of Lake Natoma. Don't forget your Golden Poppy Pass to be able to park for free!

Selina E.

First time iSUP during the BIG melt this season. We listened to the experienced paddlers in our area and opted to stay away from BMB until the water slows down. We ended up at Willow Creek and I am proud to say we had a great first time experience. The lagoon is calm and a great place to get around if you're afraid or weary to go out towards the bigger areas. Lots of wildlife, even in that small area. The launch area is small so please be patient and courteous- especially if newbies. We're an awkward bunch lol As recent transplants to this town, we are excited to enjoy the great outdoors & recreation Folsom has to offer. You can pay for parking using your phone. Check the bulletin board at the entrance of the lot for instructions- &10/day - it's an honor system. I didn't see any rangers checking but they may sneak in and ticket you if you're on the water. Better to just pay IMO. Don't forget your PFD, leash, water and a Buddy if you can. Be safe.

Lots of birds on the water from swan to Canadian geese.
Traci E.

I am new to the area and love to kayak. This is a great launch point we arrived a little after 8 and took a few to get into the water. It costs $10 to park in the lot, just like other reviews the lot is small but it was wide open at 830, by the time we left at 1130 the county had put a sign on the road saying lot full. I mean take a chance because there were three spots from us early birds.

Brenda B.

Willow Creek is a smaller and less busy access point to launch your paddle board or kayak onto Lake Natomas. There is usually of plenty of parking available, but it does fill up on the warmer weekends. You do have to pay for parking (honor system $10 I believe $, or if you have the poppy parking pass it is valid here . The have a bathroom available and the usually have some life vests by the dock you can borrow. Dogs are allowed on Lake Natomas. It's a pretty perfect way to spend a warm lazy afternoon floating about. :)

Kayaking around sunset time
Dilraj S.

First time kayaking. It's pretty decent. Limited parking so be aware. Cost $10 cash (no change; have to put in an envelope). Be aware that only certain parking passes cover this place. Easy walk to the dock to get into river. I doubt you need a life jacket, but always recommended. Currents aren't too strong but careful on the way back. We ended up kayaking and paddle boarding. Saw the sunset. Nice and relaxing. They have recycle bin near by as well

Gyly L.

This was a great place to come for my first time kayaking. I got here on the perfect day. Pay for your permit people, if you are new like me, there is a little Mail box like thing where you open it and you fill the permit out $10, daily, and you put CASH in this little envelope. Make sure you have a pen. Anyway umm people are super friendly and you can go ahead and ask anyone.

Amy L.

Great place to kayak! Very uncrowded on a weekday in November. Great place to see some fall colors! Lots of ducks and geese to watch. Has a boat launch for easy launching and a large parking lot. Has a bathroom and picnic tables on site.

Kimberly G.

Willow creek is a great mid point stop between the Folsom bridge and nimbus flat. Parking is $10 so if you visit this area a lot, season pass is totally worth it. Nice dock to launch kayaks and paddleboards.

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6 months ago

Great spot to paddle board!!! Very lowkey but if you don't get there early enough you won't find parking!

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1 year ago

Small parking, clean water and bathrooms available. No sitting areas near water (all rocks). This place is better for kayaking.

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4 years ago

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Ask the Community - Willow Creek Recreation Area

Is the poppy pass valid here?

For the most up-to-date list of which parks accept the poppy pass: https://store.parks.ca.gov/products/golden-poppy-annual-day-use-pass . As of May 2025, it is accepted here as the Willow Creek Recreation Area is part of the Folsom Lake SRA which… 

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Review Highlights - Willow Creek Recreation Area

“Willow Creek is a smaller and less busy access point to launch your paddle board or kayak onto Lake Natomas.”

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Handy Family Park - The bathrooms are accessible and at the bottom of the path, closer to the parking lot at Handy Family Park.

Handy Family Park

4.5(12 reviews)
3.6 mi

Adj: Hilltop Handy Family Park with a Happy View…read more This is one of Folsom's hidden gems in our books. We visit Folsom to meet friends and to explore and do nature-type activities as well as shopping and discovered Handy Family Park on one occasion. Handy Family Park is apparently one of Folsom's most elevated parks. Set on a hilltop, it's a lovely neighborhood park. Though it's smaller compared to regional parks, it's actually pretty big, it's just that it's atop a hill so not all of the space is usable for sports courts, but all of it is scenic and most of it is recreational space. You can reach this park by taking the E. Bidwell exit on Hwy 50, and then it's a really quick drive past the Costco and the In-N-Out, then take Scholar Way, and it's at 1560 Cavitt Dr. You can't walk directly into the park from the parking lot b/c you have to go UP to the top of the "hill", so you can either take the stairs or there's a longer path/ramp for ADA accessibility. Thankfully, the bathrooms are at the start of the park/bottom of the stairs so those who need to use the restrooms can get to them without going into the park. Once you climb up, you're rewarded with an amazing overlook of several neighborhoods and the rolling hills of Folsom. I've only been here in the daytime, but I imagine that it'd be extra beautiful after dark when the lights shine and sparkle all over for a night view. The park offers a lighted baseball field, a huge soccer field, a basketball court, open fields for free recreation, and multiple walking pathways that wind around for a nice stroll throughout the park while you get a nice panoramic view no matter which way you look. In addition to the amenities above, there's a barbecue with a couple of picnic tables under a covered pavilion at the edge of the hilltop so it's really a nice place for a picnic or little party. There's also a couple of kids play structure (one for bigger kids and one for the littles). My kids enjoyed playing here and running around when they were younger, but we still like coming here whenever we're in Folsom b/c Handy Family Park got such a scenic view and it's usually not too crowded. It is always a great place to bring our own picnic and hang out as a family in "nature" not too far from all the conveniences of civilization.

On a beautiful morning my fiancé and I decided to take my daughter to the park. This park has 2…read moreplaygrounds, a sandbox, plenty of picnic tables and beautifully mowed lawns! You can read more about whom this park was named after on their plaque I'll insert here! I would highly recommend this great park located in Folsom, my 5 year old had a blast and we'll definitely be returning to explore more!

Photos
Handy Family Park - You can walk all around the park on paved walkways.

You can walk all around the park on paved walkways.

Handy Family Park - Here's the ADA ramp for coming up to Handy Family Park.

Here's the ADA ramp for coming up to Handy Family Park.

Handy Family Park

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Black Miners Bar - Chilling

Black Miners Bar

4.5(119 reviews)
2.4 mi

Hours: 6 AM-9 PM daily Entrance/Parking Fee: $10…read moreKayak/Paddle Board Rental Hours: 9 AM-6 PM weekends https://www.lakenatomapaddlerentals.com/ Solos: 1st hr $20, each hr after $15 Tandem (2 people): 1st hr $30, each hr after $20 I had a very hard time finding info about this lovely spot, so there you go. Hope it helps! Entrance is accessible from Greenback Ln with $10 fee required per vehicle. 2 Parking lots available - 1 closer to boat launch area and another further lot that's more convenient for picnic areas and tables. Plenty of tables and area for lots of families to enjoy some water festivities! Have a big party or just want to lock down a few tables? Highly advise to come early. If you just need some space to place your mats down, it should be just fine. Incredible trails alongside the water for walking, jogging, and bike riding. Dogs are welcome but just make sure you pick up after them (I noticed a good number of dog poop near the water edge). Want to take a dip? Feel free! Quite cold but more than welcome to. Biggest reason why we came here? To see how the Kayak Rental system worked. Scan the QR code or visit the site to book your rentals and sign waivers. I was told they rented daily by a worker (young ones) but their online reservations just show weekends and random Wednesdays.. so good luck. Honestly Rental prices are higher than another spot we've been to, but this spot was much closer to home and easier to access. Price for convenience! We didn't go kayaking on this particular day but definitely plan to return with our own paddle board/Kayaks since it just makes sense to invest and go whenever we want versus rent a few kayaks with high rental feels. Who wants to return within 1 hr?! No way, you gotta stay out in the midst of nature for at LEAST a few hours! Pathway Tip: Walking or jogging? Stay on your left. Biking? Stay on your right. Standard Placer County rules. Great spot for families whether you want to picnic, swim, paddleboard, kayak, go for a nice walk, jog, or bike along gorgeous river waters scenery. Have fun!!

Went out to Black Miners Ravine to get on the paddleboard and just decompress a little. This time…read moreof year out there is hard to beat... good vibes, calm water, and a chance to shut the brain off for a bit. Nothing super exciting in this review, just one of those peaceful days you appreciate more as you get older lol. Now fair warning... that water is COLD cold when you first step in but once you're out there it's worth it. Even the ducks were just cruising around being friendly and minding their business. Sometimes you don't need much, just a board, some fresh air, and a little quiet.

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Black Miners Bar - It's tranquil on the lake no matter who's around. Best $125/yr gym/bar, ever. Go alone or go with friends. Poppy Pass - buy one.

It's tranquil on the lake no matter who's around. Best $125/yr gym/bar, ever. Go alone or go with friends. Poppy Pass - buy one.

Black Miners Bar
Black Miners Bar - Matthew made sure I didn't sink!!

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Matthew made sure I didn't sink!!

Livermore Community Park

Livermore Community Park

4.5(18 reviews)
2.3 mi

Folsom, Livermore Park: Park Ranger Dennis…read more 8/17/26 Very kind and helpful park ranger. I lost my keys, had my puppies loaded in truck and was aimlessly trying to find key fob for about 20 min. I asked him as he was driving by if he happened to see a key fob during his maintenance of park. He pulled over, offered to help look, said no to worry and then found keys within 5 min! Aside from the heroics of him finding the keys, he has a great presence at the park and helped/spoke to a few other people that same morning. Thanks Dennis!

I'll put it at top of review but not a fan of the challenge system they have in place at Pickleball…read morecourts with no posted rules. Even at 8:15-8:30 PM on a weekday you can't see play more than one game before people start going up to you saying you can't stay on the court for yourself winner stays. Then they queue up and all and I watched someone just finish a game and queue but we were waiting a lot longer and there were complaints by not even the queue people who let us go ahead of them because some people were calling us out and getting upset that we didn't put our paddles in the board. Good (12) Pickleball Courts but they have exploded in popularity and you have to wait a long time or play later and later now. If it was just me, I'd wait later to play or go on off hours but friends rather go at certain times. Folsom should build more.

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Livermore Community Park - Pitch and Catch

Pitch and Catch

Livermore Community Park - Grassy area

Grassy area

Livermore Community Park - Nick Andreotti at football practice with the Jr. Bulldogs   @idarrenclark

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Nick Andreotti at football practice with the Jr. Bulldogs @idarrenclark

Willow Creek Recreation Area - parks - Updated October 2026

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