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Credit 1 Pam Starr
2 Alyn Robert Brereton
3 Julie MacKinnon
4 Linda Pittman
5 Parham Pourahmad
6 Larry Whiting
7 Randall Finley
Visitation: 15,000
Area: 13,500 Acres
Lat: 38.145359
Lon: 122.395755
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Top Banner Photo Credits
Pam Starr
Alyn Robert Brereton
Julie MacKinnon
Linda Pittman
Parham Pourahmad
Larry Whiting
Randall Finley
San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Site # 187
The largest contiguous patch of salt marsh in the San Francisco Bay, home to the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse and California clapper rail
PremiumPremium - the most significant sites, worth visiting if you have limited time. Premium sites have high wildlife values year-round, staff on site, interpretive programs and/or displays, and well-developed facilities.

Background: This salt marsh and upland fields are just a few miles from a major Bay Area freeway, but area feels isolated and the only city in sight is San Francisco, across the bay. The 3-mile hike to the wetland follows a road closed to vehicles and bordered by Tolay Creek and grassy fields. Northern harriers and white-tailed kites cross the skies above, while herons and egrets fish along the creek. Riparian vegetation shelters fox sparrows and western meadowlarks. The road ends at Tubbs Island, where a hiking loop explores the bay and salt marsh, with views of American white pelicans, canvasbacks, and scaups. Look here for long-legged shorebirds such as willits and godwits. Harbor seals haul out along the shore. Follow a second hiking loop inland to marshes and ponds favored by dabbling ducks, sandpipers, and black-neck stilts.

The Experience: This site contains the largest contiguous patch of salt marsh in the San Francisco Bay. It is home to the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse and California clapper rail.

Wildlife and Where to Find It: Trails are level, compacted dirt. The trail first traverses through state lands before reaching the refuge. Round-trip is aproximately 8 miles.

Viewing Tips: More than 200 bird species, many residents. High probability of seeing waterfowl and shorebirds from October to April. Wading birds, songbirds, and birds of prey are seen year-round. An undeveloped site, limited parking. Walk-in viewing only. On San Francisco Bay Trail.

Nearby Viewing Sites: Also visit Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area

Festivals & Events: San Francisco Flyway Festival in early February

Visitor Information:  Vallejo Convention & Visitors Bureau - (800) 4-VALLEJO - http://www.visitvallejo.com
Viewing Site Hours of Operation are:
Staff On-site: No
Open: Everday
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Year Round: Yes

Road Information:   Paved. 
 Roads available year-round.
Road Hazards: 
 Number of Parking Spaces: 10
Parking Fee: No
Proximity to viewing area:4 miles
 Pull-Through Parking: No
Parking Notes: 

How to Get There: From Marin or East Bay, take Highway 37 for 0.25 mile east of the junction of highways 37 and 121. Entrance on south side of highway.
 

Contact Information
Managing Agency: US Fish & Wildlife Service
Agency Site URL:  http://www.fws.gov/refuge/san_pablo_bay
Physical Address:Hwy 37 after Lakeville Hwy
Petaluma, CA 94954
Agency 2:7715 Lakeville Highway
Petaluma, CA 94954
Manager Phone:707-769-4200 Contact Us:by Email
Site Phone:(510) 792-0222
County: Solano
Addition Website: