My Hands-On Falconry Experience at West Coast Falconry: A Unique Sacramento Day Trip
If you’re looking for a unique Sacramento day trip that feels completely different from the usual winery visits, hiking trails, or small-town exploring, let me introduce you to one of the most unforgettable experiences I’ve had in Northern California.
Just north of Sacramento in the countryside area of Marysville, West Coast Falconry offers visitors the chance to get up close with some of nature’s most incredible birds of prey. This isn’t a zoo visit or a bird show where you sit and watch from the sidelines. It’s a hands-on experience where a hawk can land directly on your gloved arm while you learn about the ancient art of falconry.
As someone who is always searching for unique destinations within easy driving distance of Sacramento, West Coast Falconry hits the mark. After spending time with these very impressive birds, I can confidently say it deserves a spot on every Northern California bucket list.
What Is West Coast Falconry?
Located in the outskirts of Marysville, West Coast Falconry is one of the country’s only falconry education centers. The facility offers a variety of experiences that allow visitors to interact directly with hawks, falcons, owls, and other birds of prey while learning about the centuries-old tradition of falconry.
Falconry is an ancient hunting practice that dates back thousands of years. It involves working alongside trained birds of prey that hunt in partnership with humans. While falconry has deep historical roots, West Coast Falconry focuses heavily on education, conservation, and helping visitors develop a greater appreciation for these remarkable animals.
Whether you’re a lifelong bird enthusiast or simply looking for something completely different to do near Sacramento, the experience is designed for both beginners and experienced wildlife lovers alike.
How Far Is West Coast Falconry From Sacramento?
One of the best things about visiting West Coast Falconry is how easy it is to drive from Sacramento.
The facility is located near Browns Valley in Yuba County, approximately 45 minutes to one hour north of Sacramento, depending on your starting point and traffic conditions.
After we finished up at West Coast Falconry, we headed to Yuba City for lunch and cruising around downtown.
First Experiences at West Coast Falconry
We left Sacramento at 7:30am to give us plenty of time to arrive by our call time at 8:45am when they open up the gates to the property. We booked our tickets during the month of June, and the heat can really set in by midday. For this reason, they had everyone arrive in the early morning.
This morning arrival time was ideal because we got to see the handlers feed all of the birds their breakfast, which is when they are the most active. Before we started getting ready for the falconry lesson, everyone had the chance to walk around and see the birds in their enclosures.
Beginning Our Falconry Lesson
Before meeting any birds, our instructor introduced us to the basics of falconry and explained how the birds are trained. We learned about the equipment, the history of the sport, and the unique characteristics of different raptor species. Every participant was sized for a leather glove, and given instructions on how to properly hold the bird.
Once everyone was geared up and ready, we walked out to a large open field where the hawk could comfortably fly. The lesson started with everyone forming a large circle (there were about 15 participants total). With help from the instructor, everyone had the chance to call the bird over and have it land on their arm.
As the lesson went on, the participants changed formations, and the bird did a variety of tricks. Such as catching pieces of meat thrown up in the air, walking through a tunnel made up of everyone’s legs, etc.
Are You Afraid of Holding a Large Bird? Be an Observer
Not everyone feels comfortable having a large bird of prey land on their arm, and that’s perfectly okay. West Coast Falconry offers observer tickets, allowing guests to watch the experience, learn about the birds, and enjoy the educational presentation without directly handling the animals. It’s a great option for family members, younger children, photographers, or anyone who prefers to admire these incredible birds from a comfortable distance.
Learning About Falconry
One of the aspects I appreciated most was how educational the experience was. The visit wasn’t simply about taking photos with big birds.
Throughout the session, we learned about:
- The history of falconry
- Bird behavior and hunting instincts
- Conservation efforts
- Raptor biology
- Training techniques used by falconers
- The differences between hawks, falcons, and owls
The educational component makes West Coast Falconry an excellent outing for families, homeschool groups, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning something new.
Is West Coast Falconry Family Friendly?
Yes, West Coast Falconry can be a great experience for families with older children. Children ages 7 and up are welcome to participate in the falconry class, making it a unique educational outing for kids who love animals, nature, and hands-on learning.
During our session, there were two children participating in the class, and both did exceptionally well. The instructors were patient, encouraging, and great at helping younger participants feel comfortable around the birds.
*Note: These bird are called “birds of prey” because they do eat small animals. During our visit, the birds were fed chicken baby chicks, that had just recently been killed (so basically not fed alive in front of guests). This can be a bit disturbing for sensitive children. I went with two adult friends, and I did not have my 8 year old daughter with me. I am glad that she did not come along because I think the dead baby chicks would be upsetting for her.
How Long Was the Falconry Experience?
From beginning to end, the whole falconry experience was about 2 hours long. At the end, some guests had paid extra for a “meet and greet” with additional birds. We did not pay for the add-on experience, but we did observe others holding additional hawks. The handlers also brought out an eagle to observe.
West Coast Falconry Experience Costs
West Coast Falconry offers several experiences at different price points, making it easy to choose an option that fits your budget and interest level.
Basic Falconry Lesson
$90 per participant | $40 per observer
The Basic Falconry Lesson is one of the most popular introductory experiences. This 1.5-hour session is open to participants ages 7 and older and includes hands-on interaction with trained birds of prey. Guests learn falconry fundamentals while having the opportunity to hold and fly a hawk to their gloved hand.
Raptor Meet and Greet
Adults: $40 | Children under 12: $30
If you’re looking for an affordable introduction to birds of prey, the Raptor Meet and Greet is a great option. This 1.5-hour experience is open to all ages and allows guests to meet several raptor species, including owls, falcons, hawks, and an eagle. Unlike the falconry lessons, this experience focuses on up-close encounters and education rather than flying the birds.
Owl Encounter
Starting at $90 per participant
The Owl Encounter is a 1.5-hour experience designed for guests ages 9 and older. Participants get the rare opportunity to meet and interact with several owl species while learning about their behavior, adaptations, and role in the ecosystem. This experience is especially popular with photographers and owl enthusiasts.
Which Experience Is Best?
For first-time visitors, I would recommend the Basic Falconry Lesson because it provides the most hands-on experience and allows you to work directly with a trained hawk. If you’re visiting with younger children or simply want an introduction to the birds, the Raptor Meet and Greet offers excellent value. Owl lovers, meanwhile, will likely find the Owl Encounter to be a memorable and unique experience that you won’t find at many other attractions in Northern California.
Tips for Visiting West Coast Falconry
If you’re planning a visit, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience:
Wear Comfortable Outdoor Clothing
Most activities take place outdoors, so dress for the weather and wear closed-toe comfortable shoes. You will be outside in nature, so don’t wear anything you don’t want to get dirty.
Bring Your Camera
You’ll definitely want photos. The opportunities to photograph these incredible birds are fantastic.
Arrive Early
Give yourself extra time to enjoy the surroundings and settle in before your experience begins.
Ask Questions
The instructors have an incredible amount of knowledge. Don’t be afraid to ask questions throughout the visit.
Book Ahead
Many falconry experiences require advance reservations, so it’s necessary to secure your spot before making the drive.
Planning the Rest of Your Day: Exploring Marysville and Yuba City
Since you’ve taken the time to drive all the way out to the Yuba City area, might as well make a day of it!
After our falconry experience, we spent the afternoon exploring downtown Yuba City, where we wandered through local shops, grabbed a bite to eat, and enjoyed the laid-back small-town atmosphere. If you like Indian food, this area of Northern California has some of the most authentic Indian food in the country (thanks to the large population Punjabi and Sikh families).
While you’re in the area, take some time to explore historic downtown Marysville, where you’ll find Gold Rush-era architecture, local restaurants, boutique shops, and landmarks that showcase the city’s rich California history.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of great day trips from Sacramento, but very few are as unique as West Coast Falconry.
The combination of hands-on interaction, first-hand education, and unforgettable encounters with birds of prey creates an experience unlike anything else in Northern California.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, an animal lover, or simply someone looking for a new adventure, this hidden gem deserves a place on your travel list.
