Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll stumble upon Bothin Marsh Preserve—a hidden gem in Marin County where nature and recreation just work together. This flat, easygoing area has a multi-use path great for walking, running, or biking, all with those killer views of Mount Tamalpais and the San Francisco Bay. The shoreline at Bothin Marsh Preserve brings together natural beauty and recreation, making it a solid stop for anyone exploring southern Marin County.
When you wander through Bothin Marsh, you’re right in the midst of migratory birds doing their thing. The preserve is a vital wetland ecosystem, offering a quiet break from busy nearby towns. The Mill Valley-Sausalito path runs right through, so you can easily extend your adventure in either direction.
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Bothin Marsh also shows off Marin County’s commitment to conservation. Local organizations put in the work to keep this place thriving even as climate conditions shift, so biodiversity has a chance and carbon-sucking plants can do their job. It’s easy to swing by here on a day trip that also hits Muir Woods or Sausalito.
Overview of Bothin Marsh Preserve
Bothin Marsh Preserve hugs Richardson Bay and gives visitors a chance to experience coastal wetlands with scenic trails and plenty of wildlife to spot.
Location in Marin County
Bothin Marsh Open Space Preserve sits on the northwestern edge of Richardson Bay, near Mill Valley. Getting there is a breeze from Highway 101, and it connects directly to the popular Mill Valley-Sausalito Pathway.
There are two main ways in: one near the Almonte Boulevard exit off Highway 101, with a small parking lot, and another from the Hauke Park lot in Mill Valley.
It’s a handy stop for anyone traveling between San Francisco and northern Marin. The views of Mount Tamalpais and the Marin Headlands? Pretty hard to beat.
Ecological Significance
Bothin Marsh is one of the last tidal wetlands left in Marin County. These marshes give a home to all kinds of birds, especially migratory waterfowl and shorebirds.
The ecosystem here includes:
- Salt marshes: Plants that can handle salty water
- Mudflats: Where shorebirds love to snack
- Tidal channels: Good for fish and invertebrates
The marsh cleans up water in Richardson Bay and helps protect against floods by soaking up storm surges and high tides.
Climate change and rising sea levels are real threats here, so conservation efforts focus on making Bothin Marsh tougher and more resilient for the future.
History and Conservation
Bothin Marsh has changed a lot over the years. It used to be part of a huge wetland network around San Francisco Bay, but most of those marshes got filled in or changed in the 20th century.
Marin County Parks stepped in to protect what was left. These days, the One Tam partnership manages and restores the marsh, especially through the Evolving Shorelines Project.
Conservation work here covers:
- Restoring habitat for native plants and animals
- Improving trails so everyone can visit
- Teaching folks about wetland ecology
- Planning for rising sea levels
You’ll probably see restoration work going on, with scientists and volunteers out there doing their part. It’s all to keep Bothin Marsh healthy for both wildlife and people down the line.
Getting to Bothin Marsh Preserve
Bothin Marsh Preserve is pretty easy to reach, whether you’re driving, biking, or walking. It sits right along the Mill Valley-Sausalito Pathway, so you’ve got options.
Nearby Cities and Landmarks
Bothin Marsh is tucked between Mill Valley and Sausalito in southern Marin County, about 5 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge—so it’s a quick trip from San Francisco.
Tiburon is just across Richardson Bay to the east. The preserve sits right on the bay, so you get those water views and plenty of wildlife action.
Local landmarks to help you get your bearings:
- Richardson Bay (runs along the east side)
- Shoreline Highway/Highway 1 (right next to parts of the preserve)
- Mill Valley-Sausalito Pathway (cuts through the whole place)
The location is a sweet spot: natural beauty, but close enough to Mill Valley and Sausalito for coffee or a bite before or after your visit.
Directions and Access
Here’s how to get to Bothin Marsh:
From Highway 101 (either direction):
- Take exit 445B
- Follow Shoreline Highway (Highway 1)
- Watch for access to the Mill Valley-Sausalito Pathway
From Mill Valley:
- Take Miller Avenue
- Hop onto Altamont Boulevard off Highway 1
- Get on the pathway into the preserve
From Sausalito:
- Head north on Bridgeway
- It turns into Highway 1
- Look for pathway access
The Mill Valley-Sausalito path is the best way to see the preserve—flat, direct, and part of the bigger Bay Trail network.
Parking Information
You’ve got a few free parking options:
Pohono Street Park and Ride:
- Easiest and most popular
- Right off Highway 101, exit 445B
- Usually plenty of weekday spaces
Coyote Creek Parking Area:
- Smaller lot at the north end
- Fills up fast
Street Parking:
- Some spots along Shoreline Highway
- Just double-check the signs
Weekends and sunny days can get packed, so try to arrive early (before 10 AM) or later in the day. Or just park in downtown Mill Valley and walk or bike in.
Trail System and Pathways
Bothin Marsh Preserve has a handful of connected trails that make it easy to explore the wetlands. The paths are flat and friendly for just about everyone.
Mill Valley/Sausalito Pathway
This paved, multi-use path is the backbone of Bothin Marsh’s trail system. It runs 3.7 miles between Mill Valley and Sausalito—great for a walk, jog, or bike ride.
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The path is flat from end to end, so you don’t have to be a fitness buff to enjoy it. Locals use it all the time for exercise or as a commute route.
From Mill Valley, head south through the marsh and you can go all the way to the shops and galleries in Sausalito. The north end drops you right into downtown Mill Valley.
Benches pop up along the way, perfect for catching your breath or just soaking in those Mount Tamalpais and bay views.
Bay Trail Routes
Parts of the Bay Trail run right through Bothin Marsh. The Bicentennial Bike Path links up with the Bay Trail, passing under Highway 101 and right through the heart of the marsh.
From the Pohono Street trailhead, you can pick up a section that goes under the Richardson Bay Bridge, hugs the edge of the marsh, and crosses four wooden bridges over little channels.
These Bay Trail segments are part of a big regional network that’ll eventually wrap around the whole San Francisco Bay. So you can keep going well beyond Bothin Marsh if you’re feeling adventurous.
Trail maps are at the main entrances and on the Marin County Parks website.
Boardwalk Experiences
Wooden boardwalks take you into more sensitive marsh areas without trampling the habitat. These raised walkways let you get up close to the marsh without causing damage.
Boardwalks are awesome for wildlife viewing. You’re right above the grasses where birds feed and nest. Signs along the way help you figure out what you’re seeing and share a bit about marsh ecology.
The boardwalks are narrower than the main paths but still pretty accessible. They really pull you into the marsh, making the experience feel more immersive.
If you can swing a morning visit, you’ll probably catch more wildlife and that soft, golden light that makes photos pop.
Outdoor Activities and Things to Do
Bothin Marsh Preserve is a surprisingly peaceful spot just minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. You can hit the trails, watch wildlife, take in the views, or just find a quiet place to chill out.
Bird Watching and Wildlife
Birders love Bothin Marsh. It’s packed with migratory birds, so you’ll spot all sorts of species year-round.
Bring your binoculars if you have them—shorebirds, waterfowl, and even raptors are regulars. Early mornings are usually best for catching the most action.
There’s more than birds, too. Small mammals, reptiles, and all kinds of bugs call the marsh home.
Move quietly and slowly if you want to see more. The birds change with the seasons, so there’s always something new.
Scenic Views and Photography
The views here are something else. On clear days, Mount Tamalpais looms over the marsh, and the water reflects the sky in all kinds of ways.
If you’re into photography, you’ll find plenty of inspiration. Mornings bring those glassy reflections, and sunsets add a warm glow to the grasses.
The contrast between wild marsh and nearby city makes for some cool shots. A zoom lens helps you get close-ups of wildlife without scaring them off.
Every season changes the look of the place, so it’s worth coming back at different times of year.
Picnicking and Relaxation
Bothin Marsh doesn’t have official picnic tables, but you can always throw down a blanket in a quiet spot.
It’s a favorite for locals who just need a quick break—peaceful, fresh air, and close to town.
Sunny days are especially nice for relaxing by the water. Bring a book or just sit and watch the world go by.
The trails are flat and easy, so it’s a gentle outing—no need to break a sweat unless you want to.
Just remember to pack out your trash and leave the place as you found it.
Family-Friendly and Accessibility Features
Bothin Marsh Preserve makes it easy for everyone to get outside, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just out for a stroll with the family. The place is built with accessibility in mind—gentle terrain and clear pathways mean families, wheelchair users, and folks new to hiking can all enjoy it.
Accessible Trails and Boardwalks
The Sausalito-Mill Valley Path, which runs right through Bothin Marsh, is fully paved and at least 4 feet wide—perfect for strollers, wheelchairs, and little kids on bikes. It’s flat, easy, and great for a simple outdoor adventure.
Some sections have wooden boardwalks that protect the marsh and give you a steady place to walk. Railings are there in steeper spots for a little extra safety.
Trail markers and interpretive signs are placed at heights that work for wheelchair users, so everyone can learn a thing or two about the marsh and its wildlife as they go.
Wheelchair Accessibility
At the main trailhead on Pohono Street in the Shoreline Office Center, you’ll find accessible parking right near the entrance. It’s a straightforward starting point for wheelchair users—no tricky barriers to worry about.
The main paths keep a steady width of at least four feet, so navigating in a wheelchair is pretty smooth. Surfaces are mostly paved or made of packed gravel, which holds up well even after some rain.
You’ll come across benches at regular spots along the trails, perfect for taking a breather and enjoying the view. There’s space for wheelchairs, so everyone in your group can rest together, regardless of mobility.
Walks for Beginning Hikers
If you’re just getting into hiking, Bothin Marsh is a great place to start. The 2-4 mile loop options let you decide how far you want to go based on your mood or energy—ideal for families with young kids, honestly.
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Trail markers are clear, so you won’t get turned around. The main path hugs the shoreline, giving you steady water views and keeping things interesting for new hikers.
It’s all flat terrain—no steep hills or rocky scrambles—so you can actually relax and enjoy the scenery instead of worrying about tough climbs. It’s a gentle intro to hiking that helps build up your confidence for longer adventures later.
Bird watching and wildlife spotting are part of the fun here. You’ll find plenty of natural stops along the way, and it’s a good excuse to linger and learn a bit more about the area.
Nature and Wildlife at Bothin Marsh
Bothin Marsh Preserve gives you a front-row seat to coastal wildlife. It’s a 106-acre wetland that’s a lifeline for all sorts of creatures—some endangered, some just passing through.
Habitats: Coastal Scrub and Waterfront
You’ll notice a mix of habitats here. The coastal scrub areas are full of tough, low plants that shelter small mammals and birds. These scrub zones buffer the marsh from the nearby developed neighborhoods.
Along Richardson Bay, the waterfront is where the real action happens. Tides change the landscape constantly, and birds flock in to feed when the water’s low. The marsh sits right on the Pacific Flyway, so it’s a major pit stop for migrating birds.
As you follow the Mill Valley-Sausalito Pathway, watch how the land shifts—from muddy flats to salt marshes to upland patches. It’s a surprisingly varied landscape for such a compact spot.
Native Plants and Redwood Trees
Take a closer look and you’ll spot all sorts of native plants that thrive in coastal wetlands. Pickleweed is everywhere, turning from green to a rusty red in the fall.
Native grasses and sedges are important too—they filter runoff before it hits the bay and help keep the shoreline from washing away.
Common Native Plants:
- Pickleweed
- Salt grass
- Gumplant
- California sagebrush
- Coyote brush
You won’t find redwoods growing right in the marsh, but look up at the hills nearby and you’ll spot them, especially if you’re facing Mount Tamalpais from certain points along the trail.
Fish and Aquatic Life
The waters around Bothin Marsh are teeming with life. Fish use these protected channels as nurseries, and all sorts of invertebrates thrive in the nutrient-rich mud.
When the tide comes in, fish move into the sloughs and channels—places like Coyote Creek. These areas are prime feeding grounds for bigger fish and for birds hunting a meal.
Wildlife You Might Spot:
- Harbor seals (sometimes, if you’re lucky)
- Salt marsh harvest mouse (endangered and tiny)
- Ridgeway’s rail (also endangered)
- Ducks galore
- Herons and egrets
- Gulls and terns
Juvenile fish grow up here before heading out to deeper water in Richardson Bay. It’s all connected, really—a reminder of why these wetlands matter so much to the whole Bay Area ecosystem.
Nearby Parks and Destinations
Bothin Marsh sits in the middle of some of Marin County’s best outdoor spots. You’re never far from a different kind of adventure, whether it’s wetlands, oak woodlands, or mountain trails.
Rush Creek Open Space
Rush Creek Open Space covers 522 acres of wetlands and oak woods up in northern Novato. The main loop is 2.8 miles and mostly flat—great for a laid-back stroll, family outing, or a bit of birdwatching.
In winter and spring, migratory birds flock here. Bring binoculars if you have them; you’ll spot egrets, herons, and hawks doing their thing in the marshes.
You can get in from two spots:
- Bugeia Lane (parking is tight, though)
- Cemetery Marsh trailhead off Atherton Avenue
Leashed dogs are welcome, and the trails are wide enough for most folks. Early mornings or late afternoons are best for seeing wildlife and beating the heat.
Mount Tamalpais State Park and Mt. Tam
Mount Tamalpais—or just “Mt. Tam” if you’re local—is Marin’s signature peak at 2,571 feet. The state park covers 6,300 acres and has over 60 miles of trails, from easy walks to real thigh-burners.
Highlights include:
- East Peak Visitor Center: epic Bay Area views
- Cataract Falls: best after a good rain
- Mountain Theater: outdoor amphitheater for events
Pantoll Ranger Station is the main hub for parking, camping, and info. On a clear day, you can see the Farallons, San Francisco, and sometimes even the Sierras.
Fog likes to roll in during summer afternoons, so if you want views, go early. The weather up there can turn on a dime, so bring a jacket even if it’s warm at the base.
Point Reyes National Seashore and Muir Beach
Point Reyes National Seashore is just about half an hour north of Bothin Marsh and covers a whopping 71,000 acres. It’s a wild stretch of coast—cliffs, beaches, and tons of wildlife.
Don’t miss:
- Point Reyes Lighthouse: classic spot for whale watching
- Tule Elk Reserve: a whole herd of protected elk
- Earthquake Trail: walks you right along the San Andreas Fault
Closer to Bothin Marsh, Muir Beach offers a quiet cove with soft sand and gentle waves. The overlook nearby is a prime spot for sunsets and big ocean views.
Weather can change fast—fog comes and goes—so check the forecast and dress in layers, no matter the season.
Marin Headlands, Rodeo Beach, and Angel Island
The Marin Headlands make up the dramatic south end of the county, with unbeatable Golden Gate Bridge views. This old military zone is now home to hiking trails, historic gun batteries, and Rodeo Beach, where you’ll find colorful pebbles instead of sand.
Top spots:
- Battery Townsley: WWII-era bunker
- Point Bonita Lighthouse: reached through a tunnel, still active
- Marine Mammal Center: they rescue and rehab sea creatures
If you want a different angle on the Bay, catch a ferry from Tiburon or Sausalito to Angel Island State Park. It’s got:
- 360° views of the Bay
- A 5-mile road around the island (great for biking)
- An immigration museum with some heavy history
It gets windy and chilly out here, even in summer. Ferries to Angel Island don’t run as often in the off-season, so double-check the schedule before you go.
Tips for Visiting Bothin Marsh Preserve
A little planning goes a long way at Bothin Marsh. Here are some thoughts to help you make the most of your visit.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit any time of year, but each season brings its own vibe. Spring (March-May) is great for wildflowers and migrating birds. Fall (September-November) is another sweet spot for birdwatchers.
Early mornings are best if you want to catch wildlife at its most active—and the light’s perfect for photos. On clear days, you’ll get great views of Mount Tamalpais. Foggy summer mornings usually clear up by afternoon. In winter, trails can get muddy, so wear boots you don’t mind getting dirty.
Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends. If birdwatching is your thing, bring binoculars and aim for high tide when birds gather on the exposed flats.
Avoiding Crowds
Weekends and holidays get busy at Bothin Marsh. For a more peaceful walk, try coming on a weekday.
You’ll find the fewest people early in the morning (before 9 AM) or later in the afternoon (after 3 PM). It’s busiest midday, especially when the sun’s out.
Parking fills up fast on weekends. If you can, bike in or use public transit—it’s less hassle. And if you have to come on a weekend, the northern stretches of the trail are usually less crowded than the areas near Mill Valley.
Safety and Visitor Guidelines
Stick to the marked trails—wandering off can damage the marsh and disturb wildlife. The main path gets plenty of use from cyclists and joggers, so keep your eyes and ears open.
Shade’s pretty scarce out here. You’ll want a hat, sunscreen, and definitely bring water, especially if the sun’s out.
It’s smart to check tide schedules before you go. Sometimes, a really high tide will flood parts of the trail. The Bay Trail website or local tide charts should have what you need.
Keep your dog on a leash, and don’t forget waste bags. Please toss them in the trash—nobody likes surprises on the trail.
Cell phone reception is decent across the preserve, but if you’re hiking solo, it’s probably a good idea to let someone know where you’ll be.
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