Arrowhead Marsh (at Martin Luther King, Jr Shoreline in Oakland) is a prime viewing spot for winter migrating ducks as well as shorebirds, raptors and other song bird species.
The park is often quiet during the week, with trails along Arrowhead Marsh and San Leandro Creek providing reasonably close views of the many birds that find shelter along the bay and in the marshes.
Access to Martin Luther King Jr Shoreline:
There are several points to begin a walk at MLK Shoreline. You can access a parking lot at the north end of Edgewater . . . or at the intersection of Doolittle Drive and Swan Way.
From San Francisco:
- Get on the Bay Bridge (I-80 east)
- Follow signs to I-880 south (to San Jose and Oakland Airport)
- Travel approx 10 miles and take Hegenberger Road exit (to Oakland Airport)
- Once on Hegenberger, you can turn right on Edgewater (just past the shopping center) and follow Edgewater to a parking area at the end of the road
- You can also stay on Hegenberger until you get to Pardee -- take a right then a left on Swan Way
See a map of the shoreline and trails
Public restrooms are available near the parking area at Garretson Point and also along the path between Garretson Point and Arrowhead Marsh.
Wherever you start, you can meander on trails that parallel the marshes or San Leandro Creek.
At Arrowhead Marsh, there's a long pier popular with birders. When tide is low, plant yourself at the end of the pier to view the various shorebirds that forage through the mud near the reeds.
You may or may not see the elusive Clapper Rail that call Arrowhead marsh their home. Their distinctive calls echo throughout the marsh so you'll be aware of their presence, whether or not you see them peering out from the grasses.
You'll also find raptors in the area, Northern Harriers and Red-Tailed Hawks among them.
The 741-acre shoreline park has paved trails throughout, as well as public picnic tables and green spaces for recreation and a children's play area.
Off Doolittle Drive, there's a no-fee boat launch at the south parking lot. The park has restrictions on motorized vessels during certain times of the season, due to migrating and nesting bird populations.
