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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 | |||
 | Premium - 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 Visit website | |||
| 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. | |||
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