Park Stories

Highlighting the people, engaging programs and beautiful places that make the Golden Gate national parks special. Can't get enough? Sign up for our monthly E-ventures newsletter, and become a member today to receive our gorgeous Gateways Magazine. More about our publications here

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Eloy Martinez, third from right, at an event on Alcatraz.
Gateways Article
On Nov. 20, 1969, a group of Native Americans set up camp on Alcatraz Island in nonviolent protest, claiming it as Indian Land under the Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868). Eloy Martinez was one of them.
Alcatraz Island
Article
At daybreak on Indigenous People’s Day 2019, in commemoration of 50th anniversary of the 1969 Occupation of Alcatraz, the Bay Area indigenous community hosted the first-ever canoe trip around the island. Starting from the Aquatic Park Historic District, the flotilla of canoes were powered by communities and families from across...
Redwood trees at Muir Woods
Article
Some national park sites within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area were closed due to PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoff. Check this article for updates.
A person scales a rock wall outdoors overlooking a forest.
Two San Francisco Park Steward smile
Article
Get to know our new San Francisco Park Stewardship interns
Two San Francisco Park Steward smile
Article
Interns reflect on a year in the parks.
Volunteers in rain gear celebrate their hard work on the Coastal Trail.
Article
What kinds of shenanigans have the trail crew enjoyed with our volunteers the past 4 months?
A volunteer holds a bucket and debris grabbing tool on a trail.
Article
What is National Public Lands Day? How long has it been around, and how can I help? Find answers to these questions and more.
Fallen trees and branches become habitat for fish and frogs in Redwood Creek.
Article
After over 10 years of restoration work, Redwood Creek has started to evolve and take a life of its own. The creek channel has begun to twist and turn and find its own path along the valley floor of Muir Beach.
Female coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Redwood Creek.
Gateways Article
As part of the multi-year Redwood Renewal at Muir Woods, the NPS and its partners are helping undo the damage of the past and restore habitat for the federally endangered coho salmon.
Gray clouds over chapparel on Sweeney Ridge in San Mateo County
Gateways Article
Perched above Pacifica, the windswept hillsides of this Golden Gate National Parks site give vista-hungry visitors a wide range of views around every corner while providing sensitive habitat for threatened and endangered species. For more tips, go to parksconservancy.org/explore-our-parks.
National Park Service Ranger Todd Hisaichi at Muir Woods National Monument.
Gateways Article
To get his dream job, Todd Hisaichi had to make a choice most people don’t have to make: He had to give up his original citizenship.