Winter rains bring new life to West Marin creeks. For thousands of years coho salmon and steelhead trout have returned from the vast ocean feeding grounds to the shaded streams of their birth. Look for salmon one to three days after a rainstorm. Traditionally, January is the best month to spot the spawning coho and steelhead. Listed below are some good sighting spots in western Marin County. Please use caution in these areas. Please do not disturb spawning salmon. Watch out for stinging nettle, poison oak, and swift currents.
The Salmon Protection And Watershed Network (SPAWN) is a local non-profit organization that works to protect endangered salmon in the Lagunitas Watershed. SPAWN offers walks to view spawning salmon for the public and for school groups, in addition to offering seminars, training, and volunteer and internship opportunities.
LAGUNITAS CREEK
1. Leo T. Cronin Fish Viewing Area, Shafter Bridge on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard at the eastern boundary of Samuel P. Taylor State Park — a half mile west of the town of Lagunitas. The Marin Municipal Water District opens a parking area next to the bridge to facilitate fish viewing from December through February. For information call Marin Municipal Water District Sky Oaks Ranger Station, (415) 459-5267.
2. Samuel P. Taylor State Park, (415) 488-9897. At the entrance station to Camp Taylor just off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, there is a short, steep access trail to the creek's edge where you may see the fish as they swim upstream.
3. Devil's Gulch. A few miles west of Samuel P. Taylor State Park is the Devil's Gulch tributary of Lagunitas Creek. The trail begins on the north side of the road, across from a pullout on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. A flat walk takes you along the creek, providing several spots from which to view the fish. Samuel P. Taylor State Park, (415) 488-9897.
REDWOOD CREEK
1. Muir Woods. Highway 1 to Frank Valley/Muir Woods Road will take you to the entrance of Muir Woods. Park in the lot provided, then proceed on foot, following the path through the entrance gates ($5.00 entrance fee) and along Redwood Creek. Check the park schedule of ranger programs for an opportunity to learn more about the spawning salmon. , (415) 388-2595.
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