This place has an interesting history. Both Pescadero and Butano Creeks join channels just east of Highway 1, forming an estuary that spreads over an area of some 500 acres. In the early 1990s, local farmers constructed levees and dammed much of the marsh to expand their agricultural holdings. Two of the trails into the marsh are located on top of old levees. Following World War II, a portion of the marshy area was operated as a hunting club. Migrating birds were the primary targets as were Asian pheasants raised specifically for the sport. Recognizing the natural value of the marsh, the Sequoia Audubon Society purchased a portion of the area in the 1960s, and soon after, the state of California acquired most of the original marsh area. The preserve now totals 500 acres, and reconstruction of the area as a natural bird and wildlife habitat is ongoing.

There are three hiking trails into the marsh. The North Pond Trail is at the north end of the marsh. Park at the northernmost Pescadero Beach parking lot ($5 parking fee), and cross over Highway 1 (look carefully both ways and hurry along) to the trailhead. This three-quarter-mile trail goes along the north and east sides of Marsh Pond, gaining altitude to the ridgeline on the east. You will have good views across the marsh and to the ocean. We found the trail very overgrown (lots of poison oak) as it climbed to the ridgeline, and we chose not to fight through the brush to the end, although the views are better the higher you go.

Another short walk into the marsh is the one-mile long West Butano Trail. There are two entry points--one from a roadside parking area on the north side of Pescadero Road just east of Highway 1 and the other from a small dirt parking area about three-tenths of a mile east on Pescadero Road almost opposite the San Mateo County road maintenance station. If you use the stop, notice the stacked walkways that are floated on the marsh during the high-water season. Take the unsigned trail to your left, and transverse along the hillside for a short distance to a junction. A left turn brings you back to the roadside parking area on Pescadero Road. Continuing ahead leads you to a steel bridge, then on to a levee with Butano Creek on your right and Pescadero Creek on your left. The trail soon stops at an area of impenetrable brush, so you must retrace your steps.

The third trail into the marsh is our favorite--the Sequoia Audubon Trail, named after the group that made this marsh possible. We suggest that you park at the northernmost beach parking area and walk along the beach to Pescadero Creek. An amazing amount of driftwood is in this area, and beachcombers have erected some interesting shelters. You can also park just south of the bridge, then walk back on the bridge and down the trail to the riverbed. Passing under the bridge, you will see a trail sign. The trail is on top of a levee that separates Pescadero Creek from North Pond. Soon you will pass by a roomy viewing platform looking over North Pond. On the south side of the levee, look for six large water flow gates plus two smaller pipes used to regulate the flow of water from the estuary to the North Pond area. Considering their rusted condition, I presume that these gates are no longer in use.

Continue along the trail to a large eucalyptus tree with low-hanging branches--ideal for tree climbers of all ages. Next is a bench with a view to the north. As you hike by a row of eucalyptus trees, watch for a short side trail to the south with good views of Pescadero Creek. A short distance farther, the trail closes down with overgrown brush and poison oak. Your turnaround point is where two large branches lie across the trail.

The Pescadero Beach and Marsh make a good coastal experience for all ages. The area is part of the upcoming Coastwalk San Mateo, a five-day camping and hiking outing along the San Mateo Coast. Call Annemarie Rosengreen for information at 650-948-8334.