Deer Island Preserve

• No longer a true island, the preserve was once part of the extensive wetlands of the Petaluma River delta.
• Neighborhood visitors hike, jog, or walk their dogs on the relatively level loop trail as a daily exercise routine.
• Historic remnants of an 1800s dairy farm still stand. Look for the weathered outbuildings.
• Dogs welcome, but must be leashed at all times.

• True to its name, the preserve shelters thriving herds of deer.
• Enjoy a wide variety of native oaks, including coast live oak, blue oak, black oak, and white oak. Squirrels feast on the acorns.
• Red-shouldered hawks and white-tailed kites nest here. So do barn owls and great-horned owls.
• Surrounding marshlands and Novato Creek attract snowy egrets, great egrets, and white pelicans. The woodlands are home to woodpeckers, owls, juncos, and towhees.
• In spring, grasslands come alive with wildflowers, including ground iris and yellow mariposa lilies.
• Check out the iNaturalist field guide. Add your own observations.

• Stay on roads and trails to preserve sensitive ecosystems and to avoid trespassing on private property.
• Be courteous and safety conscious when sharing roads and trails. Go slow and say hello.
• Dress appropriately for the weather. Trails can be muddy during rainy season.
• Bring water.
• There are no restrooms at this location.
• Steer clear of poison oak.
• After an outing, check for ticks.

From Hwy 101 in Novato, take the exit for Atherton Ave east 1.7 miles. Turn right onto Olive Ave and left onto Deer Island Ln. The gate is on your right.

A small dirt parking area is available near the entrance gate.

• Golden Gate Highway and Transportation District
• Marin Transit Trip Planner

You can also dial 511 to find out about transit options from your location.

• No smoking or fires.
• Weapons and hunting prohibited.
• Motorized vehicles prohibited. (Individuals with qualified disabilities may operate certain kinds of zero-emission mobility devices on some roads,multiuse trails, and certain other facilities.)
• Everyone must yield the right-of-way to horses. Bikes must also yield to pedestrians.
• No model airplanes, drones, or other self-propelled crafts.
• Permit required for commercial use and groups of more than 15 people.
• Dispose of waste property. Pack it out.
• All resources are protected. Do not follow, approach, or feed wildlife.

DOGS

• Dogs may be off-leash on fire roads only if kept under voice control. Leash must always be readily available.
• Dogs are allowed on signed trails and must be leashed. Leash must not exceed 6 feet in length.
• Off-fire road and off-trail use prohibited.
• Individuals accompanying dogs are required to clean up and remove pet waste.
• A maximum of 3 dogs per person is allowed. No commercial dog walking permitted in this preserve.

BIKES

• Permitted on signed fire roads and trails designated for multiuse and hikers/bikes.
• Off-fire road and off-trail use prohibited.
• Speed limit is 15 mph or less. Must slow to 5 mph when passing others or around blind turns.
• Electric bicycles are not permitted.

HORSES

• Permitted on signed fire roads and trails designated for multiuse and hikers/horses.
• Off-fire road and off-trail use prohibited except when watering or resting the horse.

In an emergency, call 911. To report an incident or suspicious activity, call the Ranger Field Office at (415) 473-2816 or submit an Incident Report via online form.

Visitors are responsible for knowing and obeying all Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) regulations. Citations will be issued for violations. Read the official regulations: Marin County Municipal Code Appendix A.

Call (415) 473-6387 for more information regarding allowable types and use of mobility devices for people with qualified disabilities.

The MCOSD is a special district pursuant to the California Public Resources Code. Marin County Parks oversees the management of the county parks system and provides public information on behalf of the MCOSD.