Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve is a protected wetland area located in San Mateo County, California.
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Summary
It covers approximately 243 acres and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. The preserve's mission is to preserve and protect the marshland ecosystem, while also providing opportunities for visitors to explore and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Visitors to Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and photography. The preserve is home to over 200 bird species, making it a popular destination for bird enthusiasts. Some of the most commonly spotted birds include egrets, herons, and ospreys. Other wildlife species that can be seen in the preserve include foxes, raccoons, and river otters.
One of the most popular points of interest in the preserve is the Pescadero Marsh Boardwalk, which allows visitors to explore the marshland while remaining on a safe and accessible path. The boardwalk offers stunning views of the marsh and is a great place to spot wildlife.
Another interesting feature of Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve is the historic Pescadero Pioneer Cemetery. The cemetery dates back to the mid-1800s and is the final resting place for many of the area's early settlers.
The best time of year to visit Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve is in the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and many of the area's birds and other wildlife are most active. However, the preserve is open year-round and offers different experiences throughout the seasons.
Overall, Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve is a beautiful and unique destination that offers visitors the opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the area's history and ecology.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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.
Related References
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Butano State Park
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Ben Ries Campground
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San Mateo Memorial County Park
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Gazos Mountain Camp
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Camp Jones Gulch YMCA
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Shaw Flat Trail Camp (primitive)
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Pescadero State Beach
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