Muir Woods and Redwood Creek Watershed Planning

 

Redwood Creek flows alongside a trail in Muir Woods.

NPS / Mel Mashman

Since hikers and tourists began visiting Muir Woods National Monument in the late 19th century, it has become renowned for its old-growth forest of coast redwoods. Muir Woods is located within the Redwood Creek watershed, just 8 miles north of San Francisco, in an area of less than 9 square miles, and harbors an incredibly diverse ecosystem of plant and animal species.

The Planning Division's efforts are focused on upholding Muir Wood's contemplative setting where visitors come to discover the primeval redwood forest. More specifically, our projects support trail network improvements, enhance transportation alternatives to improve visitors arrival experience and better protect park resources, and through the One Tam Collaborative, ensure a coordinated planning effort with our agency watershed partners, including California State Parks, the County of Marin and the Marin Municipal Water District.

Visit the Redwood Renewal page for summaries on some of our project planning efforts.

Projects

 

 

Parking and Shuttle Reservation System | 2018

Goal: Manage visitation levels using a parking and shuttle reservation system in order to enhance visitor experience and protect park resources.

Project highlights include:

• A year-round reservation system for all private vehicles and shuttle passengers arriving to Muir Woods National Monument.
• For more information on the reservation system visit GoMuirWoods.com.
• New! County of Marin and National Park Service Muir Woods MOU Update (PDF 1.2 MB).

Water/Wastewater Service Rehabilitation | 2018

Goal: Rehabilitate aging service lines to increase the reliability of water and wastewater services in support of visitor and employee health and safety.

Project highlights include:

• Installation of new infrastructure to meet all modern code requirements for fire protection flow demands and potable water quality and storage.
• Replacement and relocation of wastewater line out of ecologically sensitive Redwood Creek corridor.
• Construction of a new lift station.

Salmon Habitat Enhancement and Bridge Replacement | 2019-2022

Goal: Restore habitat for aquatic life, including the federally threatened Coho salmon, and improve visitor pathways and bridges.

Project highlights include:

• Removal of engineered riprap (boulders) from the stream banks and reintroduction of large woody debris to enhance aquatic habitat.
• Replacement of four aging pedestrian bridges to maintain accessible crossings, improve public safety, and enhance habitat restoration efforts.

Redwood Creek Salmon Habitat Enhancement Project Details, Timeline, and FAQ

Sustainable Access Project | 2019-2020

Goal: Improve visitor arrival experience and enhance resource protection through the redesign of parking areas, pedestrian paths, and other visitor amenities.

Project highlights include:

• Redesign of parking areas, trails, and visitor amenities.
• Construction of new Dipsea Trail pedestrian bridge.

Muir Woods Road Improvements | 2021

Goal: Repair Muir Woods Road to enhance public safety and protect park resources. The Federal Highway Administration and County of Marin are planning to:

• Repair and repave road between California Highway 1 and Muir Woods National Monument.
• Upgrade drainage to better address storm water pollution.
• Replace the Muir Woods Road Bridge over Redwood Creek.

 

Reference Documents

NPS Planners use a number of documents to guide planning efforts in the park. Following are a selection of these resources.

• 2017 Redwood Creek Watershed, Muir Woods Road/Trail Re-evaluation & Assessment
• Golden Gate National Recreation Area, General Management Plan
• Redwood Creek Watershed Vision for the Future, 2nd Printing (2015)
• Redwood Creek Watershed Vision 2003-2015 Accomplishment Report (2015)
• Map of Redwood Creek Watershed and Future Projects, 2016 - 2020
• Redwood Creek Watershed Assessment Final (2011)
• Watershed Assessment & Erosion Prevention Planning Project for Redwood Creek Watershed, Marin County, CA (2002)
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), National Park Service (NPS) and County of Marin
• YouTube Playlist of previously recorded Muir Woods Public Meetings
• Muir Woods MOU Update, October 6, 2020
• Muir Woods MOU Update, May 4, 2021

 

For More Information

• 

  Redwood Renewal

  A family of projects to ensure the preservation and health of Muir Woods for generations to come.

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  Muir Woods National Monument

  Walk among old growth coast redwoods, cooling their roots in the fresh water of Redwood Creek.