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Moss Landing Wildlife Area: A Coastal Haven

Explore a vital California coastal habitat: birdwatching, hiking, and serene nature trails await at Moss Landing Wildlife Area.

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Discover the Moss Landing Wildlife Area, a protected coastal habitat in Monterey County. This area is known for its diverse birdlife, scenic trails, and vital role as a stopover for migrating shorebirds. It offers a serene escape into California's natural beauty.

A brief summary to Moss Landing Wildlife Area

  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching; the area is home to over 200 bird species.
  • Wear layers, as the coastal weather can change quickly. Be prepared for wind, especially during summer months.
  • Stay on marked trails to protect the delicate habitat and avoid disturbing nesting birds.
  • Visit during early winter or weekdays to avoid crowds.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Highway 1, the easiest access point is just east of the highway, opposite Moss Landing Yacht Harbor. Parking is available across Highway 1 at the boat ramp. Note that the Moss Landing Wildlife Area parking lot is closed for facility upgrades. Parking is free.

  • Walking

    If you are in Moss Landing, you can walk to the Wildlife Area from various points along Highway 1. Be cautious of traffic as you walk along the highway. The entrance is located on the east side of Highway 1, across from the Moss Landing Yacht Harbor.

Unlock the Best of Moss Landing Wildlife Area

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Discover more about Moss Landing Wildlife Area

Moss Landing Wildlife Area, located in Monterey County, California, encompasses approximately 900 acres of salt marshes, tidal mudflats, and coastal wetlands. This protected area is an essential stopover for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl and provides critical habitat for many resident and endangered species. The area's history is intertwined with the region's industrial past. In the late 1800s, about 200 acres of the present-day wildlife area were utilized as salt evaporation ponds to commercially produce sea salt for local fish canneries. These ponds, owned by the Moss Landing Salt Works, were abandoned in 1974. The State of California established the wildlife area in 1984. The area is managed to provide habitat to Western Snowy Plover in spring and summer and flooded in the fall and winter to provide wintering waterfowl habitat. Today, visitors can explore the area via foot trails, observing a variety of bird species, including herons, egrets, sandpipers, and raptors. The area is recognized as a prime spot for birdwatching enthusiasts year-round. Mammals such as harbor seals and sea otters also frequent the area. The wildlife area lies adjacent to the Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve, further enhancing the area's ecological significance.

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