Marshall Canyon County Park

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Parks

California

Nearby: Lowell Brandt Park Zone Iii Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Marshall Canyon County Park is a 200-acre park located in the state of California.

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Summary

There are many good reasons to visit this park, including hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. The park has several trails that offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trails range from easy to moderate difficulty, making them suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

One of the main points of interest in the park is Marshall Creek, a year-round stream that runs through the park. Visitors can also see several species of birds, including hawks, owls, and woodpeckers. The park also has picnic areas with tables and grills for visitors who want to enjoy a meal in nature.

Interesting facts about the area include that the park was once part of a ranch owned by James Marshall, the man who discovered gold in California in 1848. The park was also used as a filming location for several TV shows and movies, including "Little House on the Prairie" and "Bonanza."

The best time of year to visit Marshall Canyon County Park is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild, and the park's flora and fauna are at their peak. However, visitors should be aware that the park can get crowded during weekends and holidays. Overall, Marshall Canyon County Park is a beautiful and relaxing destination for nature lovers and hikers.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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