Olompali SHP

State Historic Park

General Information
The park overlooks the Petaluma River and San Pablo Bay from the east-facing slopes of 1,558 foot Mount Burdell.

The name "olompali" comes from the Miwok language and may be translated as "southern village" or "southern people." The Coast Miwok inhabited at least one site within the area of the present-day park continuously from as early as 6,000 BC, until the early 1850s.

Olompali contains "kitchen rock," a large boulder used as a mortar in which early people ground acorns and seeds into a fine flour for food preparation. Many women would gather near such grinding rocks to prepare food and socialize.

About Service Reductions at Olompali
This park will be closed to public use Monday through Thursday December 15, 2009 through June 30, 2010.

California State Parks is facing an unprecedented budget reduction. We will work to minimize any disruptions because customer service is our priority. We hope that our loyal visitors understand and appreciate the severe budget reductions that have occurred and help us minimize the cost impacts to the system.

Location-Directions
The park is located three miles north of Novato on U.S. 101. The entrance is accessible only to southbound traffic from Highway 101.

Northbound vehicles should continue north past the park and make a safe U-Turn in order to travel south and enter the park.

Facilities
The park has hiking and horseback riding trails and a shaded picnic area.

No dogs or bikes are allowed on the trails.

A project is underway to build several structures representative of a Coast Miwok village. The village will be used as an interpretive and educational site. Visitors to the park can see two kotchas (houses), one made from redwood bark and another made with bundles of native tule reeds. There is also a nicely labeled native plant garden.

Seasons, Climate, Recommended Clothing
Summer and spring are warm, fall and winter can be cool. Layered clothing is best.


Brochures Panorama Video Photos State Parks Store Day Hiker's Trails Current Weather Map of Location Accessible Features Cities near the park: California Coastline Photos: Sudden Oak Death Information The Olompali People	Olompali SHP State Historic Park General Information The park overlooks the Petaluma River and San Pablo Bay from the east-facing slopes of 1,558 foot Mount Burdell. The name "olompali" comes from the Miwok language and may be translated as "southern village" or "southern people." The Coast Miwok inhabited at least one site within the area of the present-day park continuously from as early as 6,000 BC, until the early 1850s. Olompali contains "kitchen rock," a large boulder used as a mortar in which early people ground acorns and seeds into a fine flour for food preparation. Many women would gather near such grinding rocks to prepare food and socialize. About Service Reductions at Olompali This park will be closed to public use Monday through Thursday December 15, 2009 through June 30, 2010. California State Parks is facing an unprecedented budget reduction. We will work to minimize any disruptions because customer service is our priority. We hope that our loyal visitors understand and appreciate the severe budget reductions that have occurred and help us minimize the cost impacts to the system. Location-Directions The park is located three miles north of Novato on U.S. 101. The entrance is accessible only to southbound traffic from Highway 101. Northbound vehicles should continue north past the park and make a safe U-Turn in order to travel south and enter the park. Facilities The park has hiking and horseback riding trails and a shaded picnic area. No dogs or bikes are allowed on the trails. A project is underway to build several structures representative of a Coast Miwok village. The village will be used as an interpretive and educational site. Visitors to the park can see two kotchas (houses), one made from redwood bark and another made with bundles of native tule reeds. There is also a nicely labeled native plant garden. Seasons, Climate, Recommended Clothing Summer and spring are warm, fall and winter can be cool. Layered clothing is best.	Park Features Icon Legend Hours Day Use Only County Marin Region San Francisco Bay Area Telephone 415-892-3383 Operating Hours Day Use Only The gate closes at 5:00 pm Please note: Service Reductions are in effect November 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. Address P.O. Box 1016 Novato, CA 94948 For more information on special events please contact: David Kopler Marin Sector Film and Events Coordinator P.O. Box 1016 Novato, CA 94948 415-388-2853 dkopler@parks.ca.gov