Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

Pescadero Marsh is the largest tidal wetlands on the San Francisco Peninsula coast. It is home to over 200 species of birds and several endangered species including the San Francisco garter snake, California red-legged frog, tidewater goby, steelhead trout, and coho salmon. Located just off Highway 1, the marsh preserve offers several easy and short trails to explore this unique ecosystem. There are three parking lots for Pescadero State Beach, and each one is close to a trailhead that leads into the marsh. The Butano Trail, at the southern end of the park, is an out-and-back route that will take about an hour. It is possible to create a loop from either of the center or northern parking areas with half the route following the beach and the other half returning via the marsh. Any of the trails offer beautiful views, birding, and a quick break from civilization in a little-visited natural oasis.