Goodwin Dam Recreation Area — Attraction in Oakdale

There is no parking here. You have to park along the steep narrow road that leads to it. Traffic moves fast so it’s hard to park if your coming down from the right side.

It’s a very quiet place and there were no people when I went. There’s two paths left and right. Right leads to the dam which gets very loud and left leads to the end of a cliff side with the water going into a tunnel that can’t be followed. You can go down to the river as well but because the water was so I high when I was there, there wasn’t anything to do. Couldn’t follow the paths along the water. Water is very cold. The paths along the dam are easy and the ones leading down are rocky with decline.

I brought my dog along and he seemed to enjoy the river side, he didn’t like the dam.

There are lots of birds and some deer.

There are no tables or seating but there...

Parking sucks but scenery is amazing.. Had to bring wagon so old man can experience this place.. Was a work out climbing up hill after the water area.. Had one dog kinda helping in one hand pulling in any direction she pleased lol and the other hand pulling a wagon making sure it didn't roll back down with my dog in it lol... This day was definitely an experience i wont forget.. But a good...

Come here a couple of times a year. My favorite time is in late winter and early spring when the grasses are green, and the dam is overflowing with ferocity from the snowmelt. Take a walk to the dam and enjoy the sights and sounds. Incredible bird watching. The river near the trailhead is a great place to picnic or fish! Summer is HOT, and there are snakes....