Natomas Oak Park sits along the American River in Sacramento, California. This is a nice little park to sneak away to. The park is largely hidden from view on Garden Highway and that keeps the foot traffic low.
The park is divided in to two portions. A more ordinary section with a wide open field and covered picnic tables. This could be a nice place to have a picnic or family gathering. Sadly it seems to be taken over by people who are either homeless or up to no good. The same van has been parked in the parking lot with the hood up and someone 'tinkering' under the hood for literally years at this point. I can only assume the car hood in the up position is some sort of signal. Probably drug sales but we can only guess. A sad sign of the times.
The other portion of the park is more interesting. Like the name implies there are a number of large oak trees with a well maintained running path. Come here in the spring to catch the wildflowers in bloom.
There are a number of signs providing a history of the area and the plant life.
Besides picnic tables- there are many clear places to lay down a blanket for a picnic.
Just be aware of the thorny travelers you may pick up. You will spend a lot of time digging these little buggers out.
