Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center

Woman behind counter helpful and was able to answer all my questions. Great place to check out.

Great place for walking and enjoying nature: wildlife, plants, and looking out on the water!
Dog-​friendly trails. My friend brought his dog along, and we all got some nice outdoor exercise.

The Interpretive Center, marsh and wetlands is one of the coolest places around the Humboldt bay to get out and walk or bike, see the bay, wetlands and marsh area and it’s also a great place for bird watching. This Marsh is a birders paradise, as it is home for many natives and a passover stop for hundreds of different migratory seasonals annually.
The Center itself, is a modern facility, with rather easy access — ramps allow everyone the ability to enter the building. Here you will find out all kinds of information about the marsh and wetlands natural filtration system, the many purposes it serves and the native floral and fauna it protects. The volunteer staff are all knowledgeable about the marsh, friendly and more than willing to share this information with you. The diorama’s inside the center as well provide a good overall picture of this cool place.
There are maintained trails throughout the marsh, most are level and graveled or kept mowed down — leaving the Interpretive Center in every direction — leading out into the marsh and surrounding area. You can loop out and around the outside which takes you over and out to the bay. Cut across the wetlands and you cross through some of the most peaceful and picturesque areas around. Be sure to walk around Allen marsh it is a true sanctuary.
There is a large level parking lot at the entrance to the Center on the south end of G Street. Park and follow the signs into the center, its maybe 50 yards in from the parking lot. The marsh itself is hike and bike friendly as well as dog friendly. Open daily. Bring your binoculars, a water bottle and comfortable footwear.
Well worth the stop and more than once, it’s another great part of the Humboldt bay, and cool things behind the Redwood Curtain.
5 Stars.
219

I was blown away. This place exudes peace and calmness in the evening. I was only in Arcata one night and looked for the most popular attraction. This was it. And it was spectacular. My young daughters and I walked quite a ways snapping lots of photos. Go at sunset and you will probably feel the same as I did.

Great local place!

Beautiful & spacious.

This is a world class operation. Not only does the marsh provide a sanctuary for the wildlife on the bay, but it also acts as a natural filtration system for the town of Arcata. The marsh is designed to flush grey water through it’s ponds before being released back into the bay. This process has been observed, with great enthusiasm, by urban planners world wide. The design is self sufficient, and the reserve is incredibly lush.
Location: 5 stars
Atmosphere: 4 stars
Public friendliness: 5 stars
Last impression: 4.5 stars (given there is no half, i’ll suffice with 4)

Okay I admit it… I’m a freakin’ nature freak! Ha. I loved coming here and checking this place out. I walked around with my pup on a very regular basis and we’ have a jolly ol’ time. A perk… when the black berries are in season it’s quie a treat. Good times good times. A great place to stroll around and check out the wild life. Only downside. sometimes the bums would bother you.eh. could be worse but kinda creepy when you are alone.