Goodwin Dam Recreation Area - Jamestown, CA
Goodwin Dam Recreation Area: Dog-Friendly Natural Escape in Jamestown, CA
Goodwin Dam Recreation Area offers a quiet, pet-friendly retreat near Jamestown, CA. Known for peaceful river views, bird watching, and tranquil ambiance, it’s a hidden gem for dog owners seeking a natural escape. Trails wind along the dam and riverside, providing easy and rocky sections—perfect for adventurous dog walks. The area shines in late winter and spring with lush green grass and impressive water flows. While it can get very hot in summer with occasional snakes spotted, it remains a beautiful spot for dog-friendly hikes and riverside relaxation.
Amenities are limited; the park provides restrooms but does not offer formal seating, fenced dog areas, or water stations. Parking can be tricky, with no designated lot—visitors must use a narrow roadside parking area. The river’s edge is a highlight for dogs that enjoy water (though it can be fast-flowing and cold), and the area has abundant wildlife including birds and deer for you both to spot. Bring your own water and supplies, pack out your trash, and enjoy a calm outing in nature with your pet.
FAQ for Goodwin Dam Recreation Area
- Are dogs allowed at this park? Yes, dogs are welcome at Goodwin Dam Recreation Area and can enjoy the trails and riverside with you.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? Yes, there is a bathroom available near the parking area.
- Where is the best place to park? There is no formal parking lot; use the narrow road that leads to the park, but exercise caution due to fast traffic and steepness.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are trails leading to the dam and along the river and cliffside areas.
- Are picnics allowed? Yes, picnics are allowed; be sure to pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.
- Is the park open year-round? The park is accessible year-round, but water levels and trail conditions can vary with seasons.
Reviews
This place is beautiful, there is a hard time where to park. Not a good place for hiking but very calm and relaxing place to meditate.
Very cool place. Cold water can be flowing fast good fishing with some regulations posted on a sign. Great parking has bathroom near parking lot.
I have had amazing days here with my kids. It is peaceful and secluded. We pack a picnic and enjoy getting away from the city for hours. My tip if you come here is to be prepared for variations in water flow, if it’s too high you can always head back to knights ferry. Also PICK UP YOUR TRASH, PLEASE AND THANK YOU. #LEAVENOTRACE
There is no parking here. You have to park along the steep narrow road that leads to it. Traffic moves fast so it’s hard to park if your coming down from the right side.
It’s a very quiet place and there were no people when I went. There’s two paths left and right. Right leads to the dam which gets very loud and left leads to the end of a cliff side with the water going into a tunnel that can’t be followed.
You can go down to the river as well but because the water was so I high when I was there, there wasn’t anything to do. Couldn’t follow the paths along the water.
Water is very cold. The paths along the dam are easy and the ones leading down are rocky with decline.
I brought my dog along and he seemed to enjoy the river side, he didn’t like the dam.
There are lots of birds and some deer.
There are no tables or seating but there is a bathroom.
Come here a couple of times a year. My favorite time is in late winter and early spring when the grasses are green, and the dam is overflowing with ferocity from the snowmelt. Take a walk to the dam and enjoy the sights and sounds. Incredible bird watching. The river near the trailhead is a great place to picnic or fish! Summer is HOT, and there are snakes. Use caution!