This spot is a nice place to go on runs, walks, watch sunsets, do school research, attend field trips, and so do much more. Especially if you are here you will be able to find various unique birds by going bird watching after all the interpretative center is an area to educate yourself with the wildlife that habitat themselves in the am nearby areas of the marsh. I do have fond memories of going on field trips here and checking out the area where the urine disposal goes. Sounds gross, I know but believe it or not it was highly educational. Apparently the only plant that can pass into our intestines and still reproduce is the tomato seed. It was quite the sight to see. Many small plants were growing in what looked like a cross between a small green house and a gated barn. Surprisingly it didn't smell terrible outside. I do want to warn people from going to late in this marsh people not only can you run into interesting folks but also interesting bugs, critters and animals the darker it becomes. Overall, keep your eyes peeled and senses heightened because EVERY SINGLE TIME we always discover or see something new we didn't see before ^_* read more

We were staying nearby this place while in town. We decided to take our dogs for a walk and it was such a relaxing place to go. Nice trails to walk. Several people were around walking, jogging, and bike riding. Definitely know why the locals enjoy this place for a variety of reason. There was also maps in several places to ensure you didn't get lost! read more

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As I approached the Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center building - I flushed a large number of crows from the building and around - which surprised me. I've never seen so many Crows. After entering, I met a gentleman that was manning the Interpretive Center. We had a long conversation about the Marsh and the ecology of the area - and I asked him about the Crows. Turns out I was there at low tide. The creek channels meandering through the Marsh are largely dewatered at low tide - and this exposes the mud - and these tiny little mud crabs - which the Crows then target for a meal. So the Crows congregate around the Interpretive Center during this time of the day, swoop in, snag a mud crab, then find a place to eat it. There are a number of pilings sticking up in the Marsh - which were supports for a now long defunct tannery. The Crows apparently land on the tops of the pilings to smash open the mud crabs and eat them. The Interpretive Center has some interesting and informative exhibits about the ecology of the Arcata Marsh. The person I chatted with told me I should come back again later in the day during high tide. Apparently there is a family of river otters that is intermittently seen swimming through the channels of the Marsh! I dearly would have loved to have experienced that. I planned to come back at High Tide - but never actually made it back due to an overloaded schedule of vacation things to see and do! There is a network of hiking trails through the Marsh as well. I hiked a brief section of the Marsh before calling it a day. Check this place out! Plan to spend some time here - slow down and enjoy it! #ArcataMarshInterpretiveCenter read more

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Really sweet volunteer run visitors center. Friends of the Arcata Marsh (FOAM) sell Arcata Marsh swag and a great selection of birding and natural history books. Their bathrooms are very nice and clean. And the volunteers have all been so helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. Beautiful views of the slough and bay from the big picture windows. A great place to wait out a rain shower. Worth a visit if you end up at the marsh. read more

This Interpretive center is very informative and on a chilly day I was happy it was warm and had a great restroom. I learned that water has been around for billions of years and all the water we will ever have is here right now. This marshy area used to be a landfill, but now it's a wastewater treatment facility, which has numerous trails and beautiful scenery. Across the street is a great Brewery called Redwood Curtain,so you can get lunch and a beer and then go for a walk and end it at the Interpretive Center. read more

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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. 00219 read more

I've gone a few times already since moving up north and each experience is completely different from before. So many birds to see, when the tide is out and when the tide is in. Saw some otters the first time I went, then evidence of them during the second. Tons of plovers, pelicans, ducks, cranes, cormorants, teals, coots, anything you can think of really! Wild blackberries grow all over. Clean and well maintained trails, plus a friendly interpretive center. Beautiful place to be! read more

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Photographers; It looks good and is undoubtedly good for the birds and a really nice working concept for a city's water treatment. It's nice for a stroll. However, it seems to have been designed by someone who especially hates photographers. The islands are placed well out of reach even for larger birds with a long lens. Many of them are lined with tall rushes on the outside edges. For some species that doesn't matter, shore birds and ducks will usually be within reach. Other bird families such as herons not so much. I did see one guy lying down in a ghilli suite, but even he would not have been able to reach close enough to the islands with a long lens. Sewage makes an excellent moat.. read more

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) read more

Great local place!

I was expecting mush more lushness and many more birds. Maybe it was the season but we just had dried brambles with ripening blackberries, browned grasses and dried out ponds. We saw a little green frog and that was it. It took about an hour to complete the walk. The docent in the info center was lovely and helpful and lent is a pair of binoculars. Too bad there was nothing to see :( read more

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. read more

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. read more

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

Really only reviewing this because I think it's ludicrous someone would give it less than 5 stars? It's a marsh, people, beautiful and maintained at government expense, with an interpretive center run by volunteers. Absolutely amazing and wonderful it's provided for us to use and admire. read more