Facility · California ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Tahoe National Forest (NF) · Open Access
Set amid the sagebrush and pine is this small 260 acre wetland. From spring through fall, the marsh is a stopover for many migratory species. The marshes and bulrushes support mallards, northern pintails, American wigeons, cinnamon teal and gadwalls. Each spring Canada geese use the elevated structures for nesting. American avocets, common snipe, and two species of rails may be spotted in the shallows of the marsh. Yellow-headed blackbirds will weave nests amoung the tall bulrushes and sedges. The nearby adjacent sagebrush uplands often provide views of mule deer, coyotes, badgers and numerous songbirds. Watch for bat flights in the early evenings. Bald eagles and ospreys also visit the marsh from spring through fall, look in the snags near the west shore of the marsh where they often roost.
Peak viewing is spring to early summer. This is also a great area to view wildflowers from May through June. Due to snows, there is no winter access to this site.
From Highway 89 turn east on Forest Service Road S450 (Henness Pass Road) and drive 2 miles to a parking area and interpretive sign. Walk south about 400 yards to the marsh.
39.50563, -120.24059 · 39°30'20.3"N 120°14'26.1"W
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 5.0 | 5.2 | 4.4 | 2.1 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 1.8 | 3.0 | 5.6 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 2.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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