Anderson Marsh State Historic Park

Peaceful Anderson Marsh State Historic Park lies along Clear Lake surrounded by oak woodlands, freshwater marsh, and wildflower meadows in Lake County California. This scenic preserve and public recreation area is located about 2 hours from San Francisco and 48 miles north of Santa Rosa.

Visitors enjoy exploring the trails and historic buildings, fishing, boating, picnicking, and birdwatching in this 1,298 acre California state park.

Activities

Planning to visit Northern California? Be sure to schedule a stop at this interesting state park. You may also want to reserve a campsite or camping cabin along the shores of Clear Lake at nearby Clear Lake State Park.

During your visit to Anderson Marsh State Historic Park check out the historic buildings, take a hike through the marsh and riparian woodlands, have lunch in one of the scenic picnic areas, or get in your boat for a quiet paddle or to catch a bass.

Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Anderson Marsh State Historic Park:

Historic Sites at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park

Guests to Anderson Marsh State Historic Park may enjoy walking through the Anderson Marsh Archaeological District where they can tour a 19th century Ranch complex and learn more about the 24 prehistoric Koi sites that exist within the park. These prehistoric sites date as far back as 14,000 years ago.

The Ranch Complex features evidence of the early homesteaders who first arrived in this area during the 1800s. At that time these lands were used to grow hay, wheat, and barley. A dairy farm and a cattle ranch also existed here during the late 1800s and into the early and mid 20th century before the land was acquired by the state.

Today the park preserves a 19th century Ranch House and five small outbuildings that date from between the late 1800s and early 1900s. The historic homestead features 19th century rural vernacular architecture
and a stunning 1920s Craftsman Style kitchen.

Boating at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park

Grab your canoe or kayak, or rent a boat nearby and enjoy a peaceful paddle on beautiful Clear Lake during your visit to Anderson Marsh State Historic Park Surprisingly, Clear Lake was not named for its clear water but rather for the clean air that surrounds it. This beautiful area is known for having the cleanest air in the entire country!

This large lake, the largest in California, maintains a consistent 75 degree water temperature throughout the summer months. It’s also the oldest lake in the country, providing guests with spectacular views of Mount Konocti and a variety of wildlife.

Hiking at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park contains several miles of trails throughout the woodlands and along the creeks and lakeside. Stunning views of the lake and surrounding area, plus a variety of wildlife may be observed along these trails. This area is known for being wet so all guests should plan ahead and wear waterproof shoes.

Here are a few of the trails at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park:

• Cache Creek Nature Trail – Easy 2 mile walk through the grasslands and oaks along Cache Creek.
• Anderson Flats Trail – An easy and scenic .08 mile trail through the hilly oak woodlands and along the wildflower grasslands.
• Mcvicar Trail – This easy 8 mile trail begins at the historic homestead and winds through the oak woodlands, across boardwalks over the marsh, and finishes near Clear Lake.

Fishing at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park lies along the largest and oldest freshwater lake in the state. This marshy body of water contains an abundance of Bluegill, catfish, crappie, and Black Bass. Be sure to prepare ahead for your visit by packing your angling gear and picking up a California fishing license. Then enjoy a peaceful afternoon (or morning) fishing in Clear Lake.

Birding at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park

Don’t forget to pack your binoculars and bird list! The park’s rich habitats of freshwater marsh, riparian and oak woodlands, and wildflower dotted grasslands attract a variety of birds and other species. Here you may get a chance to observe a Double-crested Cormorant, Bald Eagle, Western Grebe, Cinnamon Teal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great Blue Heron, Red-shouldered Hawk, Great Horned Owl, American Goldfinch, White-tailed Kite, American kestrel, Great Egret, or a Black-crowned Night Heron.

Nature and Wildlife at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park

These four habitats – oak woodlands, freshwater marsh, riparian, and grasslands – found within Anderson Marsh State Historic Park also attract a variety of wildlife including the Black-tailed Deer, Western Gray Squirrel, California Ground Squirrel, and the Black-tailed Hare. Rattlesnakes are also commonly seen throughout this area, so be aware of your surroundings at all times while enjoying your visit here.

Pets

Pets are only allowed within the North Flat area inside Anderson Marsh State Historic Park. Service animals are not considered pets and are allowed throughout the park. Dogs must remain on a 6-foot leash.

Camping

Visit Anderson Marsh State Historic Park for the day and then drive over to nearby Clear Lake State Park and spend the night in one of their campsites or camping cabins. This nearby state park lies along Clear Lake, California’s largest freshwater lake, and also features a swimming beach and opportunities to boat, fish, and more.

Clear Lake State Park 4 campgrounds features 146 campsites divided up between 4 separate campgrounds and nestled within the shaded woodlands along the creek or lakeside. All sites have a picnic table, fire ring, and a food storage box and are located near bathhouses with flush toilets and coin-operated showers.

This beautiful park also has 8 camping cabins, all located along the shoreline of Clear Lake. These rustic cabins have heat, air conditioning, and electricity but no water or restrooms. A picnic table, barbecue grill, and a fire pit are also included at each cabin. Restrooms and showers are nearby.

Park Location

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park
8400 CA-53
Lower Lake, CA 95457
Phone: 707.279.2267

Park Website

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park: