Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary

Looking for a new place to walk your dog? The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary offers over 300 acres of terrain for your pup to explore. It might surprise your dog to know that this beautiful space is actually the City of Arcata’s wastewater treatment facility. But don’t let this deter you; it’s a pawfect destination for hitting the trails with your pooch.

A system of trails weaves around the sanctuary. Let your pup create their own route or follow one of the more pupular trails. Most of the trails are pretty short, so you’ll probably need to combine a couple to give your pooch the workout they deserve. Butcher’s Slough Trail clocks in at .61 miles and loops around the Old Log Pond. Pick up a self guided brochure from the Interpretive Center so you can learn about the key points of interest on this hike. The Klopp Lake Loop is on the southern end of the sanctuary. While walking around this lovely lake, be sure to check out Mt. Trashmore, an old dump site that is now a key restoration spot in the park.

Not only is this a favorite dog walking spot, it’s a bird watcher's paradise. The sanctuary happens to be on the route of thousands of migratory birds that travel between the far north, California, and Mexico. Over 300 species of birds have visited the sanctuary. So bring some binoculars and see what types of feathered friends you can spot. Make sure your doggo minds their manners around the birds.

There are five different parking areas for the sanctuary, but the main barking lot is near the Interpretive Center. Restrooms can be found throughout the park. So can  clean up bags and trash cans, so be sure to pick up after your pooch. Arcata Marsh and Sanctuary is a peaceful place that your pooch will want to visit again and again!