Where is Willows, California

Willows is a small city in Northern California and the county seat of Glenn County. It is located in the Sacramento Valley about 85 miles north of Sacramento and 20 miles south of Chico. The city is surrounded by farmland and wetlands and serves as a regional center for agriculture, government, and commerce. Willows is also a gateway to nearby wildlife refuges and outdoor areas.

Location Map of Willows, Glenn County, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Willows in Glenn County, in the U.S. state of California.

Willows Map, California

Where is Willows Located?

Willows is a city located in Glenn County, California, the United States. It is in the northern Sacramento Valley, about 85 miles north of Sacramento, 20 miles south of Chico, and approximately 35 miles northwest of Oroville. Willows lies at approximately 39.524° North latitude and 122.194° West longitude. The city had 6,612 residents in the 2020 Census and covers about 2.91 square miles, or 7.54 square kilometers. Willows was incorporated in 1886 and became the county seat of Glenn County when the county was established in 1891. The city's development was closely connected to agriculture, transportation, and the railroad. Today, the surrounding valley supports rice, almonds, walnuts, and other agricultural products. Willows is also known for its proximity to the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which protects important wetlands and seasonal habitat for migratory birds. The city lies near Interstate 5, making it a convenient stopping point for travelers moving through the Sacramento Valley. Nearby attractions include the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, the Sacramento River, and Thunderhill Raceway Park. California State Route 162 provides a major east-west connection from Willows toward the Mendocino National Forest.

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Willows City Facts

Distance from Willows, CA to Nearby Cities

• Artois, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
• Orland, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
• Hamilton City, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Chico, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
• Colusa, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
• Williams, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Corning, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Oroville, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Red Bluff, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
• Paradise, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
• Gridley, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Yuba City, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
• Marysville, CA – 60 miles (97 km)
• Redding, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
• Woodland, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
• Sacramento, CA – 85 miles (137 km)
• Davis, CA – 80 miles (129 km)
• Ukiah, CA – 115 miles (185 km)

Top Attractions in Willows

• Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge – A major wetland refuge south of Willows known for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, wildlife viewing, photography, and seasonal wetlands.
• Willows Historic District – The historic center of the city contains older commercial buildings and landmarks reflecting Willows' development as an agricultural and railroad community.
• Thunderhill Raceway Park – A nearby motorsports facility featuring road racing, driving events, track days, and automotive competitions.
• Sacramento River – The major river near the region provides opportunities for fishing, boating, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and scenic recreation.
• Willows-Glenn County Airport – A local general aviation airport serving the city and surrounding agricultural region.
• Black Butte Lake – A nearby reservoir west of Orland offering boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
• Upper Sacramento River State Wildlife Area – A protected area along the river with wetlands, riparian habitat, wildlife, and opportunities for fishing and nature observation.
• Llano Seco Unit of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex – A nearby protected wetland area providing important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
• Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park – A regional recreation area along the Sacramento River with hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife habitat.
• Black Butte Recreation Area – A nearby outdoor destination surrounding Black Butte Lake with trails, campgrounds, boating facilities, and scenic views.

Airports Near Willows, CA

• Willows-Glenn County Airport (WLW) – 3 miles
• Chico Municipal Airport (CIC) – 25 miles
• Red Bluff Municipal Airport (RBL) – 45 miles
• Redding Regional Airport (RDD) – 95 miles
• Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – 85 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Willows website and local government records.

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