The Sisters, two small rock islands, sit just 500 meters northeast of Point San Pedro in California’s Marin County. These tiny islands in the San Pablo Bay were first mapped in an 1850 survey of the San Francisco Bay Area by Cadwalader Ringgold.
In This Article
Key Points
- The Sisters are two small rock islands in San Pablo Bay, Marin County, California
- They were first mapped in 1850 by Cadwalader Ringgold
- In 1867, the islands were reserved for military purposes by President Andrew Johnson
Geography and Location
The Sisters are located at coordinates 37°59′18″N 122°26′28″W, in the northern part of San Francisco Bay. San Pablo Bay, where the islands reside, is the northern extension of San Francisco Bay, located in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area.
The islands are part of Marin County, one of the nine counties that make up the San Francisco Bay Area. Marin County is known for its natural beauty, with numerous state and national protected areas.
History
After being mapped by Cadwalader Ringgold in 1850, The Sisters, along with the nearby Brothers Islands, were reserved for military purposes in 1867 by order of President Andrew Johnson. However, after many court battles, the military plans for the islands were eventually scrapped.
Recreation and Tourism
The Sisters islands, while small, offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature exploration in the San Francisco Bay Area. The islands can be viewed from Point San Pedro and other parts of the Marin County coastline.
Some popular activities in the areas around The Sisters include:
- Birdwatching: The islands provide habitat for various seabirds and shorebirds
- Hiking: Marin County has numerous hiking trails with views of San Pablo Bay and The Sisters
- Boating and Kayaking: The calm waters around the islands are popular for boating and kayaking
- Fishing: San Pablo Bay is a popular spot for fishing, with many anglers enjoying views of The Sisters
The islands themselves are not accessible to the public, as they are protected wildlife habitat. However, visitors to the Marin County coast can appreciate their rugged beauty from afar.
Conservation and Ecology
As small, undeveloped islands, The Sisters provide important habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine life. The islands are part of the larger San Francisco Bay ecosystem, which is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species.
Conservation efforts in the San Francisco Bay Area aim to protect and restore natural habitats, including those on and around The Sisters. These efforts are important for maintaining the ecological health of the bay and its surrounding areas.
FAQ
Can I visit The Sisters?
No, The Sisters are not open to the public as they are protected wildlife habitat. However, you can view the islands from various points along the Marin County coastline, such as Point San Pedro.
What county are The Sisters located in?
The Sisters are located in Marin County, California, just north of San Francisco. Marin County is known for its beautiful natural areas, including numerous state and national parks.
What kind of wildlife can be found on The Sisters?
The small islands provide habitat for various seabirds and shorebirds. The surrounding waters of San Pablo Bay are also home to a variety of fish and marine life.
Are there any hiking trails with views of The Sisters?
Yes, there are several hiking trails in Marin County that offer views of San Pablo Bay and The Sisters islands. Some popular options include the trails at China Camp State Park and the San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve.
Can I go fishing near The Sisters?
Yes, San Pablo Bay is a popular spot for fishing, and anglers can enjoy views of The Sisters while fishing in the area. However, it’s important to follow all fishing regulations and obtain the necessary licenses before fishing in the bay.
