Carlson Trail & San Joaquin Marsh Loop 

An Easy 3 mile Walk

Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 10am

45 Riparian View, Irvine CA 92612

Carpooling is recommended as there are only 22 parking spaces total in two different parking lots

Optional lunch afterwards at a nearby restaurant

The San Joaquin Marsh is owned by the Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD). It's a hidden gem in the heart of busy Orange County. The wildlife sanctuary encompasses more than 300 acres of coastal freshwater wetlands, half of which have been restored to a natural state. The remaining acres are quality habitat and are not in need of restoration. With 12 miles of walking trails, the marsh has become one of Southern California's most notable nature respites.

The IRWD San Joaquin Marsh, a wetland of distinction, is a place for everyone to enjoy the beauty of nature. Visitors can walk along the trails, watch the more than 300 bird species that visit the marsh, take photographs, or simply relax under a native willow and listen to the sounds of nature. Because the Marsh is a wildlife sanctuary and place for quiet reflection, vehicles, bicycles, drones, dogs, horses, and other animals are not permitted.

Link to Video on the San Joaquin Marsh

The wetlands are a critical component of IRWD's Natural Treatment System. They naturally clean urban runoff from San Diego Creek and help to protect the environmentally sensitive Upper Newport Bay. After interacting with the bulrush and other plants for two to four weeks, up to 75% of the nitrogen is removed. The cleaner water is returned to the creek to continue its journey to Upper Newport Bay and the ocean.

Please bring water, snacks, sunscreen and a hat.

If you have any questions about this event, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Trip Leader:

Richard Norman

[email protected]