There’s a wonderfully open bird and wildlife sanctuary running along the east shoreline of Corte Madera with walking and cycling paths along the perimeter and down the middle along the old railway corridor. The 31-acre marsh gives you plenty of room to explore without feeling crowded, even on weekends. It starts at the northern edge of the Mariner Cove housing subdivision and continues north until the Greenbrae Boardwalk along Corte Madera Creek, with the Bay on the east side and San Clemente Drive and Redwood Highway on the west.

The flat terrain makes it easy to walk your dog here without worrying about steep hills or tricky footing. The open landscape means good visibility too—you can see what’s coming from pretty far away. The old railway corridor path is particularly pleasant, shaded in places and wide enough that you won’t feel squeezed if you pass other walkers and cyclists.

Dogs are welcome and can be off-leash in designated areas, though you’ll want to keep yours on leash, especially in spring when young birds are fledging. These vulnerable birds can’t yet fly and are easy targets for dogs who are just trying to play. The combination of open water, grassy areas, and native plants makes this prime habitat for herons, egrets, and various shorebirds, so there’s a lot to watch if you’re into wildlife spotting.

The marsh feels more like a working natural area than a manicured park, which is part of its appeal. You get a real sense of the Bay’s ecosystem here rather than a polished recreation space. The cycling path is popular with local riders, so don’t be surprised to see plenty of bikes alongside walkers and dogs. Bring water for your dog since you’ll be exposed to sun and wind on the open marsh, and there aren’t many shaded rest spots once you’re out on the main paths.