Looking for a New River Adventure? Try This Madera County Park Opening Saturday

By Edward Smith

Published 2 months ago on

March 21, 2025

A family enjoys fishing along the San Joaquin River at Wildwood Native Park on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (GV Wire/Edward Smith)

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With spring officially here, the San Joaquin River Conservancy will cut the ribbon Saturday on its newest day park in Madera County.

The 22-acre Wildwood Native Park has been open since January, but the organization will now make it official with conservancy board members and Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno).

Wildwood Native Park’s boat launch site provides easy access to drop a kayak or canoe into the water. (GV Wire/Edward Smith)

Easy River Access for Fishing, Kayaking, or Picnicking

Drivers heading north on Highway 41 can take the Rio Mesa exit to loop back around and find Wildwood just north of Jensen River Ranch and the former Cobb Ranch.

While the park’s paved trail may be short — a loop of only a couple hundred yards — the park does allow for easy access to the river. Visitors can back in a vehicle and with only a short walk, drop their kayak or canoe into the water.

Wildwood Native Park’s short paved trail has a bridge — and who doesn’t love a good bridge? (GV Wire/Edward Smith)

Those wanting to stay shoreside can hike along the river to cast a fishing line or simply have a picnic and wait quietly in the hopes of spotting native or migratory birds.

The trailhead for the Van Buren Trail also begins at Wildwood.

The conservancy’s governing board had wanted to make easier access to the bathroom and clear up trail boundary markers before officially opening the park, according to the website.

Wildwood Native Park adds another piece to the puzzle of parks and preserves along the San Joaquin River (San Joaquin River Conservancy)

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Edward Smith,

Multimedia Journalist

Edward Smith began reporting for GV Wire in May 2023. His reporting career began at Fresno City College, graduating with an associate degree in journalism. After leaving school he spent the next six years with The Business Journal, doing research for the publication as well as covering the restaurant industry. Soon after, he took on real estate and agriculture beats, winning multiple awards at the local, state and national level. You can contact Edward at 559-440-8372 or at Edward.Smith@gvwire.com.