Santa Venetia Marsh Preserve

• Local residents hike, bike, jog, or walk their dogs along the 1.2 mile trail atop the levee.
• As you travel the path across the 33-acre preserve, imagine the marsh diked and filled as it was in the early in the 1900's. When outer levees were breached, tidal flows resumed, reviving pickleweed and saltgrass habitat.
• Dogs welcome. Dogs must be leashed on trail, and under voice command on fire roads, with leash readily available.

• This small salt marsh provides habitat for sensitive species like the Ridgeway's Rail and salt marsh harvest mouse.
• Northern harriers, white-tailed kites, and red-tailed Hawks search the levees for voles and other rodents.
• This is one of the few places in the county where the pygmy blue butterfly can be found.
• Check out the iNaturalist field guide. Add your own observations.

• Stay on roads and trails to preserve sensitive ecosystems and to avoid trespassing on private property.
• Dress appropriately for the weather. Trails can be muddy during rainy season.
• Bring water.
• If launching a kayak, watch tides. Currents can be strong.
• There are no restrooms at this location.
• Steer clear of poison oak.
• After an outing, check for ticks.

East access: from Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take the N San Pedro Rd exit east and turn left Vendola Dr. MCOSD gate is at the end, on the left..

West access: from Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take the N San Pedro Rd exit east, turn left at La Pasada Way, and turn right at Vendola Dr. MCOSD gate is at the end.

Street parking only. Please be respectful of local residents. Do not block streets, gates, or driveways.

• Golden Gate Highway and Transportation District
• Marin Transit Trip Planner
• Route from San Rafael Transit Center

You can also dial 511 to find out about transit options from your location.

• No smoking or fires.
• Weapons and hunting prohibited.
• Motorized vehicles prohibited. (Individuals with qualified disabilities may operate certain kinds of zero-emission mobility devices on some roads,multiuse trails, and certain other facilities.)
• Dispose of waste property. Pack it out.
• Everyone must yield the right-of-way to horses. Bikes must also yield to pedestrians.
• No model airplanes, drones, or other self-propelled crafts.
• Permit required for commercial use and groups of more than 15 people.
• All resources are protected. Do not follow, approach, or feed wildlife.

DOGS

• Dogs may be off-leash on fire roads only if kept under voice control. Leash must always be readily available.
• Dogs are allowed on signed trails and must be leashed. Leash must not exceed 6 feet in length.
• Off-fire road and off-trail use prohibited.
• Individuals accompanying dogs are required to clean up and remove pet waste.
• A maximum of 3 dogs per person is allowed. No commercial dog walking permitted at this preserve.

BIKES

• Permitted on signed fire roads and trails designated for multiuse and hikers/bikes.
• Off-fire road and off-trail use prohibited.
• Speed limit is 15 mph or less. Must slow to 5 mph when passing others or around blind turns.
• Electric bicycles are not permitted.

HORSES

• Permitted on signed fire roads and trails designated for multiuse and hikers/horses.
• Off-fire road and off-trail use prohibited except when watering or resting the horse.

In an emergency, call 911. To report an incident or suspicious activity, call the Ranger Field Office at (415) 473-2816 or submit an Incident Report via online form.

Visitors are responsible for knowing and obeying all Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) regulations. Citations will be issued for violations. Read the official regulations: Marin County Municipal Code Appendix A.

Call (415) 473-6387 for more information regarding allowable types and use of mobility devices for people with qualified disabilities.

The MCOSD is a special district pursuant to the California Public Resources Code. Marin County Parks oversees the management of the county parks system and provides public information on behalf of the MCOSD.