arcata marsh and wildlife sanctuary

This is a truly primo spot in which to relish the joys of nature. Great for walking, strolling or running, the perfect place to unwind and recharge one's batteries.

Wonderful walk through nature. Very peaceful and serene. A bird watchers paradise. A must stop if you are visiting the area.

Nice place to get a walk outside and encounter some nature. Migrating birds use this area. So do dogs who leave their poo behind on trails. Bad dogs! Occasionally come up on groups of youngsters hidden in the brush smoking. Never felt threatened, just intruded upon the nature aspect of the visit.

Great spot to see birds and get away from most noise of town. LOTS of trails and the scenery changes depending on sun, tide and fog. Great place to walk dogs and take photos

The Arcata Marsh is a unique treasure that deserves to be replicated all over the world. It is a wastewater treatment plant and beautiful area to saunter through -- all in one! We saw thrilling murmurations of hundreds of birds lifting off and landing on the little islands in Klopp Lake, as well as many other types of wildlife. The interpretive center has helpful staff and engaging exhibits, as well as a small shop with carefully curated products and books. Informational placards are placed throughout the marsh to help visitors understand more deeply what they are seeing around them. We always enjoy our walks at the Marsh!

Relaxing and beautiful location. A true sanctuary and not too many other people. Enjoy Nature in this lovely place.

The marsh is pretty any time of year. If there is wind, bring a jacket because the wind blows off the bay especially around Klopp lake. There are always ducks and egrets to look at, and if you are birder you will find the marsh a happy place indeed. Fair warning, if you end up near the sewage treatment ponds the scent is a bit ripe.

This is a wonderful place to spend 15 minutes to one hour or more walking and communing with nature. The marsh water recede and and birds change depending on time or day and season.

This marsh is unique as it blends freshwater marshes with a wastewater treatment facility. The ranger was so helpful in identifying birds we had seen. I loved this place for its combination of natural beauty and environmental awareness.

go and see and love the views. can be slow drivikng but heck, its arcata! spend a little or long time.

Nice trails, beautiful surrounding, lots of migrating birds. And, it's just outside the city so really easy to get there.

Whether you walk or ride a bike, the marsh is a great place to visit, I have been there several times during various seasons and times of day. I was fortunate enough to catch the spring blooms.Timing and noise levels are important in determining how many birds you will see. I have seen egrets and herons at fairly close range--usually, during the early morning or late afternoon hours. However, one needs to be fairly quiet because these birds fly off if the area is too noisy or busy. So, if a group of preschoolers or loud conversationalists are about, the birds may avoid the areas that are closer to the path. I've been told by locals to avoid the outlying areas of the marsh at dusk or later. And I suggest having a companion join you if at all possible if you walk the full path. Remember to bring water. And, don't miss the visitor's center. It is great place to catch your breath, see the local perspectives, and give some support and purchase cards to share with those who cannot join you.

There are many paths for walking around water retention ponds or next to the bay. Many people bring their dogs. We did not see much wildlife, but I am confident that this is seasonal. We were there in early September. The visitor center staff was very helpful.

We had a lovely walk here towards sunset and were extremely lucky to meet a student who was watching a family of otters, it was a great experience to watch them frolic around in the water. Eventually we backed away a bit as the guy who spotted them understood they wanted to cross our path to the neighboring pool, and sure enough, when they thought we had gone, the four of them crossed the path, what a sight!!!If you are in this area, it is well worth a visit. There is a visitors center but it was closed by the time we got there.

This is a wonderful place to take a walk at sunset. Beautiful lighting across the water as the sun is setting. And you are really surrounded by water here, especially at the parking lot! Lots of trails to walk around the edge of the bay and around the ponds. Arcata Marsh has amazing birding, especially during spring and fall migrations. You can see hundreds of Godwits and sandpipers flocking. Even if you are not an avid birder it's a wonderful place for a picnic or a walk. The trails are level and easy to walk on. There are also several benches and picnic tables. Highly recommended for all ages and interests! I make time to walk here every time I visit Arcata.