Sacramento, California is affectionately known as "The River City." California's capital is located at the confluence of two major rivers, and is known for fishing, rafting and kayaking opportunities. The riverside "Old Sacramento" neighborhood is a popular dining and sightseeing destination, while joggers and cyclists frequently make use of the 23-mile river parkway. The Sacramento Delta, a network of channels, stretches from Sacramento to the Pacific Ocean.

Sacramento River

The Sacramento River is California's largest river and its most economically important. It begins near Mount Shasta and flows to the Delta, supplying water to a large portion of the Central Valley's farms. It's the third largest river by volume in the Continental U.S. In recent years, the Nature Conservancy and other environmental groups have worked together to preserve natural habitats that have been destroyed through agricultural and industrial development along its banks. Within Sacramento, the river's cultural and economic influence is so strong that the local baseball team is called the Sacramento Rivercats.

American River

The American River is known for its rafting, boating and kayaking. From the whitewater of the North and Middle Forks to the calm waters of the South Fork, this river is a popular outdoor destination on hot summer days. The three forks converge near Sacramento; from that point to its convergence with the Sacramento, the American River Parkways provides miles of trails and protected lands along the riverbank.

The Delta

Near its confluence with the American River, the Sacramento joins the San Joaquin River. From there, it spreads over a vast area known as the Sacramento Delta. This network of waterways is a popular destination for boaters and fishermen, with 1,000 miles of navigable channels stretching as far inland as Stockton. It also irrigates much of the Central Valley's farmland.

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