The Tall Forest

As you glide along the calm waters of the Cosumnes River, you’ll soon enter a stretch dominated by towering riparian trees. This “tall forest” is made up of mature cottonwoods, willows, and oaks that create a cathedral-like canopy overhead. Their roots reach deep into the riverbanks, stabilizing the soil and providing vital habitat for birds, insects, and small mammals. Listen closely, and you may hear the chatter of woodpeckers, the rustle of squirrels, or the splash of fish beneath the surface. In spring and early summer, wildflowers and native grasses bloom along the edges, adding color to the serene greens and browns of the forest. This tall forest not only offers shade and beauty for paddlers, but it also plays a crucial ecological role—filtering water, reducing erosion, and providing sanctuary for wildlife throughout the seasons.