‘King tides’ will inundate Marin shores this weekend

The highest tides of the year, known commonly as “king tides,” are returning to Marin this weekend, and with them flooding in low-lying areas at high tide and difficult navigation in shallow waters at low tide, according to the National Weather Service.

At China Camp State Park in San Rafael, flooding is expected on San Pedro Road through Sunday, according to Friends of China Camp, a nonprofit organization that helps manage the park. Road access near Back Ranch Meadows Campground and Miwok Meadows will be restricted during peak tides.

The lower half of the Manzanita Park and Ride lot in Mill Valley, a hotspot for flooding, was closed for a week beginning Tuesday, according to Caltrans.

The highest tides are predicted for Saturday morning. They are forecast to reach 6.94 feet at 10:25 a.m. in Sausalito, 7.01 feet at 10:43 a.m. at Point Chauncey on the Tiburon Peninsula and 7.08 feet at 10:57 a.m. at Point San Quentin, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.