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Goethe Park


Just off of U.S. HWY 50 at Bradshaw, C.M. Goethe Park, is one of Sacramento’s oldest county parks. A long central road paralleling the river links you to this park’s many recreation facilities.

How to Get There:

From U.S. Highway 50, take the Bradshaw Road off-ramp. Turn right at Folsom Boulevard and follow the brown-and-white signs to the park entrance on Rod Beaudry Drive.

A young buck in velvet at Goethe Park. [Photo By Ed Homich]

Parkway Mule Deer

A young buck in velvet surveys an oak grove at Goethe Park.

Photo By Ed Homich

C.M. Goethe Park (pronounced gah-tee) is one of Sacramento’s oldest county parks. A long central road paralleling the river links you to this park’s many recreation facilities. Wild turkeys and deer rustle in the grass beneath young oaks, while the bright green, carefully cared-for picnic area is a delicious place to stop for lunch. Baptisms have even taken place in the cool water of the American River in this park.

Fast Facts

  • C.M. Goethe has 444 acres, and was acquired in stages between 1961 and 1964.
  • The park was named after Sacramento philanthropist Charles Mathias Goethe

Activities

  • C.M. Goethe Park is a welcome stop along the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, just across the Harold Richey Bicycle Bridge from William B. Pond Park. The bridge offers a spectacular view of the American River.
  • The park is a common take-out spot for commercial rafting companies and for recreational rafters alike.
  • Horse and hiking trails wind through the park like ribbons of recreational enjoyment.
  • Group picnic sites are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
  • C.M. Goethe Park is also a place where Campfire Boys and Girls camp on property shared with the County of Sacramento.

An egret soars above the American River at Goethe Park. [Photo By Ed Homich]
Aerial Display - An egret soars above the American River at Goethe Park. Photo By Ed Homich