Restoration - Where Can We View the Restored Wetlands?

 
The Giacomini Wetlands can be viewed from several vantage points in the Point Reyes-Inverness area. Download the Public Access Map (1,042 KB PDF). Trails and viewing points include:
 
New realigned Lagunitas Creek spur trail.
New realigned Lagunitas Creek spur trail.

Lagunitas Creek spur trail:
Southern portion of East Pasture adjacent to Point Reyes Station. Trail can be accessed from entrance to Green Bridge County park along State Route 1 just east of the Green Bridge. This trail winds through riparian habitat in the Green Bridge County park and then follows the edge of Lagunitas Creek out towards White House Pool area. This trail was rerouted slightly as part of construction to improve buffer areas for riparian habitat along Lagunitas Creek.

In the future, this trail will connect to a viewing area at the Dairy Mesa. The Park Service is in the process of improving facilities in this area currently.

 
White House Pool park near Lagunitas Creek.
White House Pool park near Lagunitas Creek.
White House Pool County park:
On the south side of Lagunitas Creek, the County of Marin Parks and Open Space District manages a small park on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard (Levee Road) that has a path that winds through riparian habitat as it follows the edge of Lagunitas Creek. Parking may be found at an on-site parking lot. This park provides several locations to view the restoration project area across the creek.
 
Kids enjoying Tomales Bay Trail. © Tony Williams, Winzler & Kelly
Kids enjoying Tomales Bay Trail.

Tomales Bay Trail:
For those wanting a longer walk and grander vistas of the restoration project area and Tomales Bay, the Tomales Bay Trail provides beautiful views of much of the Tomales Bay watershed.

The trailhead is located off State Route 1 just north of Point Reyes Station. There is a small parking lot. The trail is approximately 1 -1.3 miles long. In future years, this spur trail will be extended to provide better views of some of the northern portions of the East Pasture and the shallowly flooded flats that attract hundreds of shorebirds and waterfowl in the fall and winter.

Olema Marsh Trail:
On the opposite of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard or Levee Road is Olema Marsh. A trail starts in the parking lot from Olema Marsh and crosses the top of the shutter ridge as it follows the east side of the marsh, eventually ending at Levee Road. Olema Marsh is one of the areas that was restored as part of Phase II.

West Pasture Viewing Area:
The northern portion of the West Pasture and adjacent undiked marsh can currently be viewed at a small informal overlook area that occurs on the West Pasture north off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard where the former North Levee used to be accessed. The overlook area enables residents and visitors to view the newly restored marsh.

By Water:
Many people are enjoying the newly restored wetlands by water. Kayaking and canoe launching can be done in Inverness or at White House Pool. Currents can be strong in this area, so be prepared for some vigorous paddling depending on the tide and streamflow conditions.

 
Great Egret and Kayakers © Galen Leeds Photography
Great Egret and Kayakers
 

-- Content for this page was composed by Lorraine Parsons, Project Manager, Giacomini Wetland Restoration Project, Point Reyes National Seashore



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Last updated: June 27, 2024

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