Wetland Wander-Fall

Hike Chino Creek Wetlands

10.30.2024
Woman kneeling by the creek at Chino Creek Wetlands

Chino Creek Wetlands is proof you don’t always have to go far to find an escape in nature. Located in the heart of Chino in part of the Santa Ana River watershed, the Chino Creek Wetlands has 1.7 miles of trails, but really this is a place to explore without a lot of fuss.

The mostly flat trails weave through 22 acres of wetland habitats, offering lots of nooks and crannies to check out. The way the different sections of trail intersect would make it difficult to hit 1.7 miles exactly while still seeing everything the park has to offer, so take your time as you explore the wetlands labyrinth.

Rather than being focused on the miles, just let yourself wander (don’t worry—there are maps posted all over). Frequent benches line the trail where you can sit, relax, and enjoy your favorite seasonal beverage while you overlook the peaceful wetlands all around.

Keep your eyes open for birds such as snowy egrets, blue herons, and different species of ducks. The wetlands are in an unexpected place—right in the middle of a city. But even with buildings all around, the park still has a feeling of being away from it all. An observation tower in the center offers panoramic views of the wetlands. Placards on top of the tower help teach visitors about what they might see in the wetlands: plants, reptiles, birds...

Despite its close proximity to suburbia, the Chino Creek Wetlands are usually lightly visited so it isn’t hard to find some peace and solitude.

PSL BONUS: Platform 909 in Chino Hills offers seasonal beverages such as a pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin chai latte, caramel green apple slush, and a tiramisu latte. Platform 909 is located at 15870 Soquel Canyon Pkwy., Chino Hills. It is open Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chino Creek Wetlands is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. October to March, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April to September. Park may close after periods of heavy rain. Free parking. Park is located at 15975 El Prado Rd., Chino. Dogs allowed but must remain on a leash.

Story and photos by Natalie Bates, @wanderwithnatalie

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Man hiking up a trail at Montara Mountain, with a view of the Pacific and Grey Whale sand beach in the background

    From Beach to Summit

    No need to decide between a beach and a mountaintop—this hike includes both! Explore the stunning coastal scenery on this 6-mile out-and-back up Montara Mountain and into Rancho Corral de Tierra.

    View

  2. Picnic and a Pedal

    West Marin has all the right stuff for an afternoon getaway: bike paths, babbling brooks, canopy forests, and secluded picnic spots. Combine a picnic and a pedal at Samuel P. Taylor State Park by biking the easygoing Cross Marin Trail.

    View

  3. Sebastopol Food & Wine Roll

    One apple farm, three charming towns, multiple wineries, and infinite natural beauty. Savor a perfect autumn day in Sonoma County by biking the West County Regional Trail from Sebastopol to Forestville via Graton. It’s a 17-mile (round-trip) adventure. 

    View

  4. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    Want to be king of the mountain? Head to King Mountain, the 108-acre open space preserve just above Larkspur in Marin. Despite its lofty name, hiking King Mountain proves that simp

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman walking in the Venice Canals of Los Angeles County

    Canal Contemplations

    With its incense-scented boardwalk, bohemian shops, skateparks, and abundance of body builders, Venice is happily eccentric, and artistic. Exhibit A: Its network of European-style canals with charming bridges, offering a tranquil tour of the town’s history.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Yes, Seattle!

    Ready to try something new this winter? Seattle’s ready for you! Beautiful by nature with its Puget Sound setting, surrounding mountains, and nearby national parks, winter in Seattle can be a magical and festive time. Ever been in a hot tub boat?...

    View

  3. Wine Down, Dine Out in Lake Chelan

    The fertile soil around Washington State's Lake Chelan is ripe for more than just the amazing apples. Vineyards here yield high quality grapes, and some of the country’s best less-discovered wineries. Locals know it, and you will too when you start choosing from the more than 30 wineries in the region.

    View

  4. What's Up, Winthrop!

    It’s not just its location close to Washington State’s spectacular and less visited national park (North Cascades) that makes Winthrop such a winsome mountain town. This lively enclave in the Methow Valley bristles with a whimsical blend of Wild West charms, contemporary culture, and a mosaic of outdoor adventures—from river to lake to waterfalls, and beyond.

    View