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Delevan National Wildlife Refuge

Maxwell, California · Colusa County

Delevan NWR was established in 1962 with funds from the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act (today it is known as the Federal Duck Stamp). It was established to provide feeding and nesting areas for migratory birds however other major objectives include providing habitat and manage for endangered, threate…

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About Delevan National Wildlife Refuge

Delevan NWR was established in 1962 with funds from the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act (today it is known as the Federal Duck Stamp). It was established to provide feeding and nesting areas for migratory birds however other major objectives include providing habitat and manage for endangered, threatened, or sensitive species of concern; preserving a natural diversity and abundance of flora and fauna; alleviating crop depredation; and providing visitor service activities such hunting and photography. Waterfowl are present September through April and numbers regularly peak in November and December at over 300,000 ducks and 100,000 geese. The refuge supports one of the largest known populations of palmate-bracted birds-beak (Federally listed endangered plant species) and significant breeding colonies of tricolored blackbirds. Delevan is also an important wintering grounds for Tule Greater White-fronted Geese.

How to Get There

Traveling north or south on I-5:exit at Maxwell Rd at town of Maxwellgo 3.5 miles east on Maxwell Rdturn left on Four Mile Rd to drive along west boundary of the RefugeDelevan NWR does not have any public viewing access, but may be seen from:- Maxwell Road* (County Road)- Four Mile Road* (County Road)*please be cautious when viewing from public roads...they are open to public traffic, and may have soft shoulders Check station is approximately 5.6 miles northeast from MaxwellFrom Interstate 5:exit at Maxwell Rdgo 3.5 miles east on Maxwell Rdgo 2.1 miles north on Four Mile Rdturn right at Check Station gateClick here for a map with directions

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Delevan National Wildlife Refuge

Heading to Delevan National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Delevan National Wildlife Refuge?

No central reservation system listed for Delevan National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1373) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Delevan National Wildlife Refuge?

Traveling north or south on I-5:exit at Maxwell Rd at town of Maxwellgo 3.5 miles east on Maxwell Rdturn left on Four Mile Rd to drive along west boundary of the RefugeDelevan NWR does not have any public viewing access, but may be seen from:- Maxwell Road* (County Road)- Four Mile Road* (County Road)*please be cautious when viewing from public roads...they are open to public traffic, and may have…

How do I contact Delevan National Wildlife Refuge?

You can reach the park at phone: 530-934-2801 or email: sacramentovalleyrefuges@fws.gov.