Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, a part of Pescadero State Beach, includes a complex of several habitats - a tidal estuary, freshwater marsh, brackish water marsh, dense riparian woods, and northern coastal scrub.  It is an important wintering ground on the Pacific flyway. 

The 235-acre Pescadero Marsh Preserve, surrounding the confluence of the Butano and Pescadero Creeks, includes the only extensive wetland along the coast of the San Francisco Peninsula.

More than 200 species of birds have been recorded in the marsh, including more than 60 that nest there, among them the Great Blue Heron.  Species in the marsh listed under the Endangered Species Act include the San Francisco garter snake, California red-legged frog, tidewater goby, steelhead trout, and Coho salmon.

Nature Walks

Guided Nature Walks are conducted twice a month:

• First Sunday of the month at 10am (April through September)
• Third Sunday of the month at 1pm

Walks last about two hours.  Dress in layers, bring binoculars, water, wear a hat, and enjoy the marsh.  Meet the volunteer docents in the parking area on Highway 1.

Pescadero State Beach has three parking areas.  Walks start in the middle lot, between the northern-most and southern-most parking areas.

• From the north, the parking area will be immediately south of the bridge, on your right.
  
• From the south, the lot will be on your left 1/4 mile past the flashing light at Pescadero Road and before you reach the bridge.