Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary
Ecological showcase where wetlands purify city wastewater; the flat loop trail around the ponds is a well-known birding spot in Northern California.
The marsh lies about 1 km south of Arcata Plaza, on the shore of Humboldt Bay. Converted from a wastewater treatment wetland, it is considered a model of ecological engineering. About 8 km of flat trails loop around several ponds, where you can see egrets, sandpipers and otters, and more than 300 bird species have been recorded. It is free to visit, and the visitor center holds guided birdwatching walks on weekends.
Opening hours
Open all day (visitor center approx. 10:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Arcata Plaza
- Arcata Community Forest
- Carson Mansion
- Old Town Eureka
- Sequoia Park Zoo
- Samoa Cookhouse
- Moonstone Beach
- Trinidad Head