Anderson Marsh State Historic Park

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Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is a property of the state of California's state parks department. It is located in Lake County, near Lakeport and Clearlake.

The park contains 1,065 acres (4.3 km&sup2) of oak woodland, grass-covered hills, and tule marsh. One of the largest groups of people in prehistoric California, the Southeastern Pomo, knew this land as home. Today, descendants of those people still live nearby. Anderson Marsh's archaeological sites hold clues to the lives of the Pomo. Some sites are over 10,000 years old, making them among the oldest in California. The park protects several habitats including freshwater marsh, oak woodland, grasslands, and riparian woodland.

The site has miles of hiking trails. Trailside signs offer insight into understanding the native plants and animals of the park. The park is also popular for bird watching, hiking and picnicking. Anderson Ranch retains its nineteenth century structures.

The park has a popular blackberry festival in August.

[edit] Location

The park is located on the southeast corner of Clear Lake, the largest natural lake completely within the borders of California. It is between Lower Lake and Clear Lake on California Highway 53, north of Calistoga in the wine country.