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Anderson Marsh State Historic Park
Anderson Marsh State Historic Park © Anderson Marsh State Historic Park Staff / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Bluegrass festival at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park
Anderson Marsh State Historic Park © Anderson Marsh State Historic Park Staff / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Bluegrass festival at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park
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ANDERSON MARSH STATE HISTORIC PARK
ANDERSON MARSH STATE HISTORIC PARK
Lower Lake, California   95457

Phone: 707-279-2267
Anderson Marsh State Historic Park contains oak woodlands, grass-covered hills, and tule marsh. One of the largest groups of people in prehistoric California, the Southeastern Pomo, knew this land as home. Today, descendants of those people still live nearby.

Anderson Marsh's archaeological sites hold clues to the lives of the Pomo. Some sites are over 10,000 years old, making them among the oldest in California. The park protects several habitats including freshwater marsh, oak woodland, grasslands, and riparian woodland.

If you like to hike, you can take advantage of miles of trails. Trailside signs offer insight into understanding the native plants and animals of the park. The park is also popular for bird watching, hiking and picnicking. Explore the past at the historic Anderson Ranch, with its nineteenth century structures.

The park has a Bluegrass Festival in September.

Nature of the Area
Anderson Marsh is also a nature preserve, which protects the habitat of a tule marsh, itself an integral part of the Clear Lake ecosystem. The marsh, located on the southeast shore of Clear Lake, offers food and breeding habitat for mammals, fish, birds and amphibians. The crappie, catfish, bass and blue gill spend parts of their life cycles amidst the tules.

History of the Area
One of the most populous Native American groups in California, the Pomo occupied the Anderson Marsh area as far back as 10,000 years ago. The Pomo, known as some of the best basket-makers on the continent, found an ample supply of raw material in the marsh.

Pomo elders construct a village in the park every year. This village of tule huts also serves as a picnic area, an odd, but somehow fitting mixture of the ancient and modern uses of nature.

Anderson Marsh is a remnant (about 8 percent) of a once-vast tule marsh that nourishes Clear Lake, California?s largest natural lake. Marsh and park are named for Scottish immigrant John Still Anderson, who started a cattle ranch here in 1885. Anderson?s descendants continued to live and work the ranch until the late 1960s. Some of the original ranch buildings are open for tours on the weekends.

Nearby Accommodations
businesss listing main photo
Backyard Garden Oasis BB - Middletown, CA
BBs / Inns
Close to Calistoga, Napa Valley and Lake County Vineyards, and Harbin Hot Springs in the Mayacama Mountains, and 2 hrs away from San Francisco or Sacramento. Backyard Garden Oasis is an exquisite respite for those wanting a nature-filled retreat surrounded by some of Californias most beautiful country.
10 miles from park*
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There is access to Clear Lake, California's largest freshwater lake, which provides opportunities for sailing and motor-boating. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular activities in the marsh channels that lead into Cache Creek Natural Area from the lake. Fishing boats can be launched at nearby Redbud Park boat launch facility as there isn't any launching area within the park itself.


Location
Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is located near Clearlake, Kelseyville and Napa

Picnicking
Anderson Marsh State Historic Park in California offers several picnicking options for visitors. The park has designated picnic areas with tables and benches where families or groups can enjoy a meal amidst the beautiful natural surroundings. These spots are perfect for those who want to relax after exploring the hiking trails, bird watching, or learning about local history through interpretive exhibits at Anderson Ranch House museum within the park premises. However, it's important to note that fires and barbecues aren't allowed due to fire safety regulations; so pack your food accordingly! Also remember carry out all trash as part of 'leave no trace' policy ensuring cleanliness of this preserved area.

Trails
Cache Creek, Anderson Flats, Ridge, Marsh Trails 2 to 3 miles round trip.
Birding
The park offers a rich birding experience with over 150 species of birds to spot, including the rare yellow-billed cuckoo and peregrine falcon. The Cache Creek Natural Area within the park is an excellent location for bird watching due to its diverse habitats such as marshes, oak woodlands and grasslands that attract different types of birds. Birders can also explore various trails which provide opportunities for viewing waterfowl in winter months or songbirds during spring migration season.

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Area Campgrounds
Edgewater Resort & RV Park
6420 Soda Bay Road
Kelseyville, CA
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
The park is located on the southeast corner of Clear Lake, the largest natural lake completely within the borders of California. Between Lower Lake and Clear Lake on Highway 53, north of Calistoga in the wine country.

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California
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California State Parks

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