The Coast Miwok people were the first to inhabit the coastal area of sheltered coves, beaches, tidal marshes and forest of Bishop pines now known as Tomales Bay State Park, forty miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. When the Miwok people lived in the area, they made their living by hunting, gathering and fishing. The park also has hiking trails and is a popular place for picnicking, swimming, clamming and boating. The park includes forests, beaches, field, hills, meadows and marshes each with its own plant life, including varieties of trees, shrubs and wildflowers. Wildlife in the area includes foxes, raccoons, badgers, weasels, chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, deer, bobcats, skunks, wood rats, field mice, moles and other animals. There are also land and sea birds, including the spotted owl, quail, goldfinches, puffins, great blue heron, pelicans, ruddy ducks, woodpeckers, meadowlarks and more.