Carpinteria Salt Marsh -

Gallery

Hike Details

• Length : 1
• Gain : Almost level.
• Difficulty : Easy, great for kids.
• Path : Decomposed granite and dirt paths.
• Season : All year.
• Canine : OK for dogs on leash.

Access / Getting There

Things to Know

Background

Trip Log

On The Trail

On The Bike

On The Run

On The Walk

The Salt Marsh, known historically as El Estero, on the surface doesn't appear to be that spectacular but it is nevertheless one of the most important wetland areas in Southern California. Fed by the Franklin and Santa Monica Creek watersheds, the estuary is home to a number of rare or endangered plants and is a haven for more than 200 migrating and other bird species. 

The marsh is 230 acres in size with 120 acres of this owned and managed by UCSB and the remaining area by the city of Carpinteria. The city has a volunteer program and thanks to this effort, docent-led tours occur every Saturday at 10am or you may walk along the eastern and a section of the north edge of the marsh at your own convenience.

Ash Avenue Entry
From one of the entry points to the marsh trail along Ash Avenue, you can either meander south to a boardwalk whcih leads out onto the beach or follow the trail north to the point where it curves to the west and crosses a bridge over one of the estuary channels.

From there you can continue around the outer edge of the marsh to the point where Franklin Creek enters it. Once you're reached the end of the trail, re-trace your steps back.

What makes the walk really nice is the quiet openness of the Reserve. To the north the Santa Ynez Mountains dominate; to the south, though you can't see the ocean, the sound of the surf crashing on the shoreline muffles out the sounds of the freeway and seems to have a calming feeling. 

Bird Watching
Along with the openness comes great opportunities to watch the various birds which inhabit the Marsh, both migrating species and yearlong residents — shorebirds, songbirds, ducks, waders, and raptors — species like the Belted kingfisher, Marsh wren, Great Blue heron, Tern and different types of ducks.