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Henningsen Lotus Park is a scenic, dog-friendly park nestled along the American River in Lotus, California. Known for its beautiful views, river access, and vast open spaces, it’s a favorite local spot for pet owners seeking dog-friendly hiking trails, easy river walks, and plenty of space to relax with their canine companions. The paved walking paths, grassy fields, and well-kept restrooms make the park inviting for the whole family, including kids and dogs alike.
The park features a large parking area, covered picnic tables and BBQs, restrooms, playgrounds, and direct access to the river. While the river offers cool water and a fun spot for strong swimmers (and their water-loving dogs), visitors should be cautious about the strong current. There is ample seating throughout the park and some shaded areas, though these may fill up quickly in the summer. With its pet-friendly trails, beautiful natural scenery, and amenities to support a comfortable day out, Henningsen Lotus Park stands out as a wonderful destination for dog owners in the Lotus, CA area.
The parking fee is NULL (as of 09/2025). The water is COLD & THE CURRENT IS VERY STRONG – DON’T UNDERESTIMATE IT. When water is released upstream, the water level changes FAST. There’s a walking track & well-behaved dogs are welcome. There are quite a few permanent benches where you can rest & just watch the river.
There’s also a big grass field with 2 soccer fields painted in. There are permanent covered picnic tables & BBQs. I don’t know if you can reserve the tables or soccer fields, or if it’s first come, first served.
The tables & walking path have NO LIGHTS⁶ in the evenings!
Most visitors show up in Summer. It’s more of a local spot as Fall approaches.
There’s a gas station a couple of miles away in Cool, and there’s NO GAS STATION for quite a while, heading South towards civilization. In Cool is the Coloma Club (food & a bar). Not sure if the Coloma Club is adults only. Most other restaurants & pubs in the area have limited hours off-season, so check before you go.
Very beautiful and peaceful place. The water close to the shore was warmer than I thought it would be. We had an amazing day at this park.
Beautiful park right on the American River. Not a lot of shade. Either get there early to grab some, or bring a pop-up. The river has a strong current, so only strong swimmers should swim past the shore area. Lots of people in Kayaks and floating in tubes.
One of the best parks I ever visited. It’s my little hideaway. It has a river flowing through it. There is a church opposite to the park. The whole park looks like HD wallpaper..❤️❤️❤️⛲️🏞🏞🏞🎡🎢🅿️
Super little spot, be sure to buy a pass and enjoy year round. River access and a nice field for kids and folks to play on and walk around. Good visitors keep dogs under leash control, pick up after them and maybe even say hi to others while walking.