The Emeryville Crescent State Marine Reserve sits at the western edge of Berkeley. It is located along the San Francisco Bay shoreline in Emeryville. It serves as a serene urban wetland refuge. Here, salt marsh habitat meets recreational trails and offers Bay views in Alameda County.
What Makes Emeryville Crescent State Marine Reserve Unique
This 103-acre crescent of tidal marsh and upland provides rare wetland habitat in a major metropolitan area. It’s a vital rest and feeding stop for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway, supports endangered species like Ridgway’s rail, and filters bay water through pickleweed, eelgrass, and cordgrass. Though once part of a polluted mudflat art site, restoration efforts have revived its ecological values.
Top Activities & Amenities
Hiking & Biking Trails
A section of the San Francisco Bay Trail skirts the Crescent. It offers flat, easy paths for walking, jogging, or cycling. You can watch wetlands unfold at eye level.
Wildlife Viewing & Bird Watching
Visit in spring through fall to spot shorebirds, ducks, herons, egrets and, with luck, the rare Ridgway’s rail. Temescal Creek mouths into the marsh—an especially rich zone for viewing feeding waders and migratory birds.
Fishing, Boating & Kayaking
Fishing and boating aren’t permitted directly within the reserve, but anglers may cast from the nearby shoreline. Non-motorized watercraft like kayaks and paddleboards float just outside protected areas, offering close-up views without disturbance.
Beach Access & Scuba/Snorkeling
A narrow beach at low tide gives limited access—but cold currents and soft mud call for caution. Scuba and snorkeling are uncommon here due to murky water but possible near the mouth of Temescal Creek.
Interpretive Signs & Nature Learning
Signs along the trail explain marsh ecology, plant communities, and restoration work. These micro-interpretive displays enrich self-guided walks along the waterfront.
Picnic Areas & Restrooms
Several picnic benches and trash receptacles sit at the trailhead parking lot. Flush restrooms and water spigots are available at the nearby McLaughlin Eastshore State Park staging area.
Parking & Accessibility
A free parking area sits at the terminus of Powell Street in Emeryville. The main trail and marsh viewpoints are fully accessible, though boardwalks beyond may be uneven in places.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Access & Hours: Open sunrise to sunset; no reservations required.
- Pets: Dogs allowed on a leash—keep them away from marsh fringes to protect nesting birds.
- Rules: No camping, fires, or drone use. Fishing and harvesting are prohibited within the reserve.
- Trail Notes: Wear closed shoes—mud can creep up at low tide near creek edges.
- Safety: Mosquitoes appear in warmer months—bring repellent and sun protection.
- Conservation: Stay on designated trail—fragile pickleweed and eelgrass take years to recover.
- Facilities Close By: Water, restrooms, and snack vending available a short walk into McLaughlin Eastshore Park.
Local Insight & Hidden Gem
Arrive at sunrise for magical light over the marsh—cranes and egrets hunting in the golden mist make for peaceful encounters. In spring, wooded knolls near the parking lot host vibrant wildflowers that contrast with the salt marsh below. For a quiet shoreline paddle, launch from the marina ramps just north—drift along the reserve’s edge at midday to glimpse hidden wildlife undisturbed. And for stunning bay-to-city views, plan an afternoon bike ride eastward across the Bay Trail all the way to the Bay Bridge—a rewarding loop that begins and ends in this tranquil marshland haven.