Mudflat as far as the eye can see, vast stretches of lush pickleweed marsh, and a sense of solitude in the midst of seven million people best describe San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

2023 - 2024 Hunting Information

Dates, regulations, and general information are now available on our hunting page. See the Fish and Game Commission’s website for updated waterfowl hunting language (adopted on April 19, 2023) by the Fish and Game Commission.

Visit Us

Lands, Roads and Trails: The refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset for approved activities.

Headquarters Office: Our address is 2100 Sears Point Road, Sonoma CA 95476. The office is generally open Monday-Friday. However, staff are often out in the field and the office may be closed.  It is best to call the office before arriving to ensure that there is someone there to assist you.

San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Refuge Manager, Melisa Amato (510) 377-9229

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1974 to support migratory birds, wetland habitat, and endangered species. The Refuge consists of more than 19,000 acres located along the northern edge of San Pablo Bay in northern California. The refuge and San Pablo Bay supports the largest wintering population of canvasbacks on the west coast, and protects the endangered salt marsh salt marsh
      Salt marshes are found in tidal areas near the coast, where freshwater mixes with saltwater.

      Learn more about salt marsh
      harvest mouse and the California Ridgway’s  rail.

      What We Do

      The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge.

      Our Species

      A small brown bird by the water

      The California clapper rail (Rallus longirostris obsoletus) is one of the largest rails (family Rallidae), measuring 13-19 inches from bill to tail. It is characterized by its hen-like appearance, a long, slightly downward-curving bill, olive-brown upper parts, a cinnamon-buff colored breast,...

      FWS Focus
      A white and black bird with long legs and a long curved beak standing on snowy ground

      The Long-billed curlew is a large, long-legged shorebird with a very long, decurved bill. Body plumage is rich buff throughout tinged with cinnamon or pink, and with upperparts streaked and barred with dark brown; underwing-lining contrasting cinnamon, and upper surface of remiges contrasting...

      FWS Focus