Five-Mile Recreation Area
A serene creek-side oasis in Bidwell Park, perfect for picnics, swimming, and enjoying nature's beauty with accessible amenities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful vibe, Tai Chi classes
Five-Mile Recreation Area
Best Time
Peaceful vibe, Tai Chi classes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene creek-side oasis in Bidwell Park, perfect for picnics, swimming, and enjoying nature's beauty with accessible amenities.
"It is one of the most magically beautiful pieces of land on the face of this Earth."
🐾 Pet-Friendly Paths
Bring your canine companions! Easy pathways make it great for walks with your dog.
♿ Accessible Amenities
Features ramps and accessible picnic tables, including wheelchair seating.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chico Creek Access
Creekside
Direct access to the creek with stairways for swimming and enjoying the water. Perfect for a refreshing dip.
Picnic & BBQ Hub
Lawns
Ample picnic tables and BBQ grills set amidst open, shaded spaces. Ideal for family gatherings and outdoor meals.
The Iconic 5 Mile Bridge
Over Chico Creek
A picturesque bridge spanning Chico Creek, offering scenic views and a central landmark.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Bidwell Park's 'Miles'
Best Times for Wildlife & Water
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Pet-Friendly Paths
Bring your canine companions! Easy pathways make it great for walks with your dog.
♿ Accessible Amenities
Features ramps and accessible picnic tables, including wheelchair seating.
🌿 Plant Identification
A beautiful spot for practicing identifying wild plants. Educational and enjoyable.
🚗 Off-Road Adventures
Popular for off-roading with challenging obstacles. Bring your Jeep! 
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Pet-Friendly Paths
Bring your canine companions! Easy pathways make it great for walks with your dog.
♿ Accessible Amenities
Features ramps and accessible picnic tables, including wheelchair seating.
🌿 Plant Identification
A beautiful spot for practicing identifying wild plants. Educational and enjoyable.
🚗 Off-Road Adventures
Popular for off-roading with challenging obstacles. Bring your Jeep!
🏃♀️ Challenging Runs
Great for a challenging run, even in heat. Enjoy miles of trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Five Mile Recreation Area as a beautiful and magical gem within Bidwell Park, highlighting its direct creek access, ample picnic facilities, and peaceful atmosphere. Many appreciate the wildlife sightings and the accessibility features, making it a beloved spot for all ages and abilities. Some note that wildlife is most active during higher water levels after rain.
"Five mile is always so beautiful. A gem. Tai chi classes are often occurring in the mornings and it is just such a nice vibe. There are otters and from what I could tell a beaver dam. Sometimes the water gets pretty high after rainy season and that is when the wildlife is most active. Lots of people enjoying walks with others or pets, and easy pathways. Accommodation for disabled people with ramps and lots of tables to eat at including some that can seat wheel chairs."
Heather Duckett
"Lots of shade, open space, picnic tables + bbq grills and bathrooms, we really enjoy the direct access to the river"
Angela
"I've been going to this place since I was a baby. It is one of the most magically beautiful pieces of land on the face of this Earth. I went the other day to practice identifying wild plants. It was a beautiful day and ended up being quite educational."
Chico Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Five Mile Recreation Area is located within Bidwell Park in Chico, California. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors mention it's a popular spot for locals and can be reached via walking or biking trails from other parts of the park.
Five Mile Recreation Area is generally considered part of Lower Bidwell Park, distinct from the more rugged Upper Park. It's known for its creek access and picnic facilities.
Yes, biking is a popular way to access Five Mile Recreation Area, with many trails connecting to it. It's a great option for exploring Bidwell Park.
Yes, there is parking available at Five Mile Recreation Area, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Look for signs directing you to 'Five Mile Recreation Area' or '5 Mile Bridge' within Bidwell Park. It's a well-known section of the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no entrance fee for Five Mile Recreation Area, as it's part of the public Bidwell Park. Enjoying the natural beauty is free!
Five Mile Recreation Area is generally open from dawn to dusk, like most public park areas. It's best to check local park advisories for any specific closures or seasonal hours.
While there are many picnic tables and grills, it's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays, as spots can fill up. Booking is usually not required for general use.
Yes, public restrooms are available at Five Mile Recreation Area, adding to the convenience for visitors.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Five Mile Recreation Area, making it a great spot for pet owners to enjoy the outdoors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming in Chico Creek, picnicking with BBQ grills, walking or biking on easy pathways, and observing wildlife like otters and beavers. It's also popular for off-roading. +2
Swimming is popular, especially after rainy seasons when water levels are higher. Always exercise caution and be aware of creek conditions.
Visitors have reported seeing otters and even a beaver dam. Wildlife is most active when creek water levels are high.
Yes, the area is accommodating with ramps and picnic tables designed for wheelchair users.
1 Mile is known for Sycamore Pool, while 5 Mile Recreation Area is a distinct section with creek access, picnic areas, and the iconic 5 Mile Bridge.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic 5 Mile Bridge, the flowing Chico Creek, lush greenery, and potential wildlife sightings offer great photographic subjects. It's also a fantastic spot for astrophotography, as seen with comet captures.
Absolutely! Five Mile Pass Recreation Area in Utah (a different location, but often confused) is noted for astrophotography, including comet captures. The natural setting away from city lights can be ideal.
Mornings offer soft light and a peaceful atmosphere, while afternoons can be great for capturing the creek's flow. Golden hour before sunset can also be beautiful.
Drone usage regulations can vary by park. It's best to check with the local Chico Parks and Recreation department for current rules regarding drones in Bidwell Park.
Expect shots of the creek, trees, open lawns, and potentially local wildlife. The changing seasons also offer diverse photographic potential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plus, the area is pet-friendly, so your furry family members can join in on the adventure too! The accessible facilities, including ramps and wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, ensure everyone in the family can comfortably enjoy the day.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Runners
The easy pathways are great for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous jog. If you're looking for a more rugged experience, consider exploring further into Bidwell Park's Upper Park for more challenging terrain. However, Five Mile provides a beautiful and accessible route for daily exercise amidst nature.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
For astrophotographers, the area's relatively dark skies make it a potential spot for capturing celestial wonders, as demonstrated by past comet photography.
The changing seasons also offer a beautiful palette for landscape and nature photography. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Bidwell Park: The 'Miles' Explained
Upper Park transitions into a more rugged, natural landscape with rolling hills, oak woodlands, and a more primitive trail system. It's favored by hikers, mountain bikers, and those seeking a more adventurous outdoor experience. While '5 Mile' is a specific recreation area, the term can sometimes be used loosely to refer to areas further into the park, so clarifying your destination within Bidwell Park is always helpful.
Five Mile Recreation Area itself is a gem within Lower Park, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational facilities. Its accessibility, combined with the charm of Chico Creek and the iconic bridge, makes it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike.
Off-Roading Adventures at Five Mile Pass
+1Visitors to the Utah Five Mile Pass often share videos of their adventures, highlighting the obstacles and the thrill of navigating the rugged landscape. It's a place where modifications to vehicles are common, and the community of off-roaders is active.
+1It's important to distinguish between the two 'Five Mile' locations. If you're seeking off-roading excitement, the Utah location is the one to target. If you're looking for a serene creek-side picnic or a leisurely stroll in Chico, California, then the Bidwell Park's Five Mile Recreation Area is your destination.
+1Nature's Spectacle: Wildlife and Astrophotography
Beyond terrestrial wildlife, the area has also proven to be a remarkable site for astrophotography. One notable instance captured Comet Neowise in 2020 using time-lapse photography, showcasing the dark skies away from city lights. This highlights the potential for stargazing and capturing celestial events, making Five Mile Recreation Area a dual-purpose destination for both daytime nature lovers and nighttime sky gazers.
Whether you're interested in spotting local wildlife or capturing the vastness of the cosmos, Five Mile Recreation Area provides a beautiful and inspiring backdrop. Remember to be respectful of the environment and wildlife when visiting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit