Brannan Island State Park

Brannan Island State Recreation Area is primarily for boaters, swimmers, campers, and people using the picnic area. The Brannan Island Loop is a paved, handicap-accessible 3.1 mile loop. It was perfect for me and my daughter (in her stroller) while we enjoyed both the eucalyptus grove and the delta breezes on a warm September afternoon.

From the Beach Swimming Area, you can access the paved loop on the far end of the parking lot. The trail seems like it probably used mostly by campers as a loop for their bikes. In the afternoon sun, the eucalyptus trees cast a nice shadow for us so that we were not in the sun. The trees are really lovely, with lots of gorgeous colors in their bark.

After you cross by the entrance kiosk, you will climb up on to the levee for some nice views of the Three Mile Slough with Mount Diablo in the background. You walk through the campground and then cross by a now-defunct boat berthing area. The best picnic tables (deepest shade, best views) are right past the boat launch.

The path then connects you back to the swimming area. The loop doesn't feel like a "real" hike because it's paved, but it's perfect for someone on wheels--a wheelchair, a stroller, or a bike.

The swimming area looked like a lot of fun (there were even life vests provided), but my daughter doesn't know how to swim yet. I am looking forward to coming back here with her when she is a little older! I really love the Sacramento Delta area, both because I lived in Sacramento for 8 years and because I just generally love marshes and rivers since I am from South Louisiana originally. For me, this park was a win even if the hike was not as spectacular a hike as it could have been.