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Favorite beaches in the California Delta: Franks Tract State Recreation Area
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Sandy beach near Irish Landing in the Franks Tract State Recreation Area
Franks Tract SRA covers about 3300 acres of mostly submerged land Northeast of Bethel Island, on the San Joaquin river system. It is bounded by four sloughs: Piper and Sand Mound sloughs on the south, False River on the North, and Old River on the East. It was flooded in the mid-to-late 1930s when the levees creating the island from marsh land were breeched by winter storms. This SRA is accessible only by boat, from the sloughs through shallow breaks in the levees. There are many uncharted snags, mud bars, and drying grounds, so extreme care is required. Mean low water depth in Franks Tract is about 10 feet, and much lower through most of the entrances, especially into Little Franks Tract.
Ranger Tom Pagan, headquartered at the Brannan Island SRA, offered to escort me to his favorite beaches in Franks Track and Little Franks Tract. I accepted immediately, and the photos here were taken from his boat. Tom cautioned me about the need to study tide tables before visiting the beaches. He knows of boats that have become marooned inside the tracts at low water, unable to exit the breaks in the levees.
There is one nice beach in Little Franks Tract, at the Eastern corner (38-02’ 56” N, 121-37’58” W). However, the beach is protected by dozens of snags and by arboreal debris carried in by wind and current. This is a beach best reached by canoe, kayak, or dinghy.
In the Southeast corner of Franks Tract, near Irish Landing at the junction of Sand Mound and Old River sloughs, are two small islands (38-01’ 56 N, 121-35’05” W) with several pretty beaches. One of the beaches, protected by tulle berms, has a big oak tree for shade and dozens of wild blackberry bushes. Both Sand Mound and Old River are good spots for canoe and kayak exploring, and for tube riding and learning wake boarding.
The Sugar Barge resort is about a mile from the two small islands to the Southwest on Piper Slough. The Sugar Barge has a guest dock, swimming pool, and boat rentals, including paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks.
Another beach on Frank’s Tract is in the cove at the Northwest shore (38’02’15”N, 121-37’ 21 W).
For information about other Delta beaches click here, and keep checking back for information about others, or sign up for email alerts on my home page.
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