http://californiadelta.org/

San Joaquin - Index

San Joaquin - may08 - Index

delta
The Mighty
san joaquin Delta
LineD BY agRiCULTURaL FieLDS, and
snaking around islands on its way from the
San Joaquin Valley to the San Francisco Bay
and on into the Pacific Ocean, the mighty
San Joaquin Delta is a labyrinth of rivers,
waterways, and channels, some not much
wider than a few feet across.
What many people might not realize is that
the Delta is close to one thousand miles long.
Dotted along its banks are resorts, marinas,
and a plethora of suitable places to catch “the
big one.”
History: striking gold
The Delta was historically used by settlers
looking for a way to come inland from the
vast Pacific Ocean. native americans lived
here when the Spaniards discovered the area
in 1772, but it was the 1848 discovery of gold
along the american River in Sacramento that
brought steamboats full of fortune seekers into
the Delta, since waterways were the easiest
access from San Francisco to Sacramento.
Some, disillusioned by the search for gold,
settled along the banks between Stockton
and Sacramento, and are credited even today
with building the levee system that created
the Delta. These settlers were seeking a
way to reign in the converging mokelumne,
Sacramento, and San Joaquin rivers.
Looking for fun
many places to drop a fishing line dot the sandy
beaches along the banks of the Delta, but
these local waterways also offer a host of other
recreational activities. For a constant party during
the summer months, check out Lost isle, an island
where boats full of bathing suit-clad ladies and
gents pull up by the dozens to enjoy live music and
an even livelier bar (www.lostisle.com).
Seeking a more family-oriented atmosphere?
Up and down the Delta’s banks, you can
rent houseboats, ski boats, water skis, and
wakeboards by the week or by the hour. Paradise
Point marina, west of Stockton, is a prime spot for
waterskiing, and even hosts competitive events
throughout the year (www.sevencrown.com).
Rather go by land than by sea? The Delta
Loop provides a scenic drive through the
region (www.deltaloop.com). Travel this road
between Rio Vista and Terminous winding
through wetlands and farmlands for a relaxing
ten-mile drive, where you’ll meander past
waterside mom-and-pop marinas and wildlife
like the famed Sandhill Cranes, which can be
distinguished by their large grey bodies, long
necks, and red foreheads. These birds, up to five
feet tall, are somewhat of a local icon since they
spend their winters here in the Central Valley. in
fact, Lodi has dedicated an annual festival to the
birds, the Sandhill Crane Festival, which is held
each fall, with nature activities and education,
in addition to a down-home food- and fun-filled
celebration (www.cranefestival.com).
We’re told there are more than fifty
attractions along this peaceful stretch known as
the Delta Loop. Some resorts offer swimming,
tennis, and even dancing. When you see a
cluster of restaurants and gift shops, we
suggest getting out of your car and giving it a
look, because you’ll never know what kind of
treasure you may find—like a pirate-themed
cookbook at the gift shop at Korth’s Pirate’s Lair
marina in isleton (www.korthsmarina.com).
The Delta is ideal to visit year-round, but
keep your eyes open for special events, like the
Crawdad Festival held each year on Father’s Day.
get out and enjoy this recreational haven right in
your own backyard, no matter where you live in
San Joaquin County. – Jennifer Bonnett
For more information: California Delta Visitors
Bureau, 169 W. Brannan Island Rd., Isleton,
(916) 777-4041, www.californiadelta.org
64 san joaquin magazine maY 15 - JULY 1 2008
photos courtesy (top) SeVen CROWn ReSORTS, (bottom) JenniFeR m. HOWeLL