Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is closed on all national holidays. Located at 2 Marshlands Road in Fremont, the center overlooks LaRiviere Marsh, a restored salt marsh which is home to two endangered species, the California Clapper Rail and Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse.   

At the Visitor Center you will find exhibits, trail maps, binoculars for loan, and a bookstore. Proceeds from the sale of books, posters and other educational items in the bookstore benefit the refuge's educational programs. Outside, self-guided trails will introduce you to the San Francisco Bay environment and local wildlife. Please call 510-792-0222 ext. 363 for further information. 

Environmental Education Center
The Environmental Education Center is open to groups Monday-Friday by reservation to school field trips. It is open to the public from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on weekends. The Environmental Education Center is located at 1751 Grand Boulevard in Alviso and is at the southern end of San Francisco Bay.  It is surrounded by uplands, marshes, salt ponds, and a freshwater tidal slough. The building, designed for education, contains two classrooms, an auditorium, and an enclosed observation tower.  

Trails and a boardwalk through the seasonal wetland habitat make it easy to see and explore the natural wonders of the South Bay.  It is closed on all national holidays. Please call 408-262-5513 in advance to verify hours.  Trails are open 7 days a week from Sunrise - Sunset. If the gates are locked please park and walk in to enjoy the trails.  

Trails
The refuge is crisscrossed by miles of hiking trails. Trails are open 7 days from Sunrise to Sunset.   

Our most popular trails include Tidelands Trail and Newark Slough Trail at the Visitor Center; New Chicago Marsh and Mallard Slough Trail at the Environmental Education Center.  Wildlife observation and photography are encouraged. Please stay on trails and out of closed areas to minimize disturbance to plants and animals.  All trails allow bicycles except for LaRiviere Marsh Trail near the Visitor Center.  The Tidelands Trail allows dog-walking provided that it is on 6-foot leash.   

Trails are periodically closed due to levee maintenance or restoration projects. Check the website or the Visitor Center and Environmental Education Center for the latest trail information. All motor vehicles are prohibited on refuge trails to protect ecologically sensitive areas. 

Recreational activities on the refuge.  

Firearms and other weapons are subject to state law. At all times, persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on the refuge must comply with all provisions of state law. Firearms may only be discharged in accordance with refuge hunting regulations, i.e., only during the lawful pursuit of game during legal seasons. Go to Rules and Regulations for more information on prohibited activities. 

For driving directions, please visit our "Directions" page.
For questions about recreation, please contact the refuge office.