Olema Marsh is located one mile north of the Bear Valley Visitor Center in Point Reyes National Seashore. It’s one of the largest freshwater marshes in Marin County, and a wonderful educational experience for anyone interested in wetland habitat or bird watching. Heron, egret, kingfisher, various raptors, and scores of migratory water birds can be found in the vicinity. You may either drive or hike in to Olema Marsh. The family-friendly trail leaves from the Bear Valley Visitor Center and passes by a reconstructed Coast Miwok Village named Kule Loklo. The village features traditional Miwok houses called Kotcas, as well as traditional Miwok Lodges and interpretive information.

Fall and winter are the best times to see migratory birds at Olema Marsh - kingfishers and red-winged blackbirds are common year-round residents

Wide open meadows near the trailhead at Bear Valley

A colorful caterpillar clinging to a leaf at Olema Marsh

The trail passes by Kule Loklo, a reconstructed Miwok village featuring traditional Miwok houses (seen here) called Kotcas

Olema Marsh, located just south of Giacomini Ranch is technically co-owned by the National Park Service and Audubon Canyon Ranch

A hummingbird rests on a thin branch within Olema Marsh

Olema Marsh plays home to a wide variety of plant and animal life - a snake slithers across the nature trail

Redwoods stand out like giants on the trail

Cattails thrive in Olema Marsh - one of the largest freshwater marsh areas in Marin County

Poppies fill the meadows of Olema Marsh