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Sailor Bar


Just off of Hazel Ave, this park has a lot of history. Settled by gold-seeking sailors it was dredged for gold during the Gold Rush. Today, visitor enjoy activities such as rafting, fishing, horseback riding and nature gazing.

A salmon fisherman defies convention while casting beads to chinook at Sailor Bar. [Photo By Ed Homich]

Another day at the office

A salmon fisherman defies convention while casting beads to chinook at Sailor Bar.

Photo By Ed Homich 

How to Get There

From U.S. 50, exit onto Hazel Avenue. Make a left at Winding Way, then another left on Illinois Avenue. The park entrance will be at the bottom of a small hill.

Legend has it that Sailor Bar is so named because a sailor jumped ship to stake his claim during the Gold Rush.

Activities

  • Sailor Bar is a very popular launching spot for small watercraft and rafts. A gravel road provides launch access.
  • An equestrian trail weaves through the park, while access to the Jedediah Smith Memorial Bike Trail can be found across the river.
  • Early fall finds fishing enthusiasts’ eager to take advantage of both pond and river fishing. A fishing pond near the river offers year-round angling.
  • Also near this pond is a nature trail that leads to riparian (riverside) and historic locations where deer, coyotes, hawks and owls may be seen.

Just upstream from Sailor Bar, a king salmon jumps at the gate near Nimbus Hatchery. [Photo By Ed Homich]
Homeward Bound - Just upstream from Sailor Bar, a king salmon jumps at the gate near Nimbus Hatchery. Photo By Ed Homich