Marsh Creek State Park
*HEAT ALERT: With temperatures set to exceed 110 degrees throughout much of the state this week, California is urging everyone to take extra precautions as they celebrate the Fourth of July. Governor Newsom has directed the Office of Emergency Services to activate its State Operations Center. Read about how California is preparing for this heatwave. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for parts of California from 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, through Sunday, July 7, at 8 p.m. PDT. Please be sure to take extra precautions when heading outdoors and know before you go by checking the park’s webpage ahead of time. Visit our safety tips webpage and get the latest on the weather at weather.gov.
The Park is currently CLOSED.
Park Facilities
Project/Site Description
Cowell Ranch/John Marsh encompasses 3,659 acres of natural habitat, wildlife, and unique cultural features, including the historic John Marsh Home. John Marsh lived on the property from 1837 to 1856. He was the first American Citizen to settle in what today is Contra Costa County. He was a medical doctor and developed Rancho Los Meganos as a large cattle ranch. The John Marsh Home when completed in 1856 was considered the "finest ranch home in California". Through the efforts of concerned citizens as well as the Trust for Public Land and other entities, Cowell Ranch/John Marsh is one of California's newest state parks, although currently not open to the public.
Partners in Park Planning
In a collaborative partnership, California State Parks and the City of Brentwood Parks and Recreation Department participated in a joint planning process to plan the future development of Cowell Ranch/John Marsh. Working together with the community, this planning process created a vision for the future; provided recommendations for the future of the historic John Marsh House, public recreation access, and natural resource management as well as guidelines for implementation of a long term vision for the Park so it can be enjoyed for years to come.
For planning information, visit the General Planning Information page.
