Wetland Reawakening

Bike or hike the Hamilton Wetlands in Novato

Once an army airfield and now a thriving wetland, the wingspan of Novato’s Hamilton Wetlands is a glimpse into both the past and the future. You’ll still see remnants of its military days with the air hangars (now converted to office space). But through years of planning and work, this land was transformed to its former wetland glory in 2014.

Woman riding her bike at Hamilton Wetlands in Novato

Walkers on the wide open dirt trail at Hamilton Wetlands in Novato North Bay

Take a mellow bike ride or walk on the flat Bay Trail to take in the sights. It’s only about 3 miles (round-trip) along the shoreline and tidal mudflats. If you love shorebirds, this is a fantastic place to see black-bellied plovers, avocets, sandpipers, curlews, and snowy egrets.

Woman stopped on her bike looking at information signs and the San Pablo Bay at Hamilton Wetlands in Novato

Woman looking through a telescope at the marsh at Hamilton Wetlands in Novato

We recommend starting from the trailhead by Hamilton Landing Hangars 5 – 6, where you can find ample parking. From here you can jump on the trail and head south, with distant views of Mount Diablo. This wide and flat section of the Bay Trail is also open to bikers and dogs. Paths here also are wheelchair accessible. You can continue on for about 1.5 miles before you come to another viewing platform and the end of the trail overlooking San Pablo Bay.

Woman pointing at the San Pablo Bay at the viewing platform at Hamilton Wetlands in Novato

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  3. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View
  4. People gathered around a tree at an LA Park as part of the Tree Tour led by Stephanie Carrie

    LA's Tree Tour

    Los Angeles is famous for its iconic palm trees but did you know that LA is home to one of the most diverse urban forests in the world? With over 1,000 different tree species lining its streets, LA offers a unique urban canopy waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a Tree Tour

    View