Wetland Reawakening

Bike or hike the Hamilton Wetlands in Novato

11.10.2021
North Bay
A woman biking on a wide flat dirt path next to the water at 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 enjoy 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. Woman walking down the stairs overlooking the ocean on the Coastal Trail in San Francisco

    America's Best Urban Hike

    Long ago we dubbed it the “Grand Walk” and said it was one of the most scenic and stunning trails in the West. We were wrong. This is the most scenic urban hike in America!

    View

  2. Hike or Bike the Skyline

    A new section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail is open for biking, hiking, or horseback riding along the 12-mile (out-and-back) Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail.

    View
  3. Woman riding a bike on the the Vine Trail in Napa Valley

    Through the Grapevine

    Cycle California’s most famous wine valley on the car-free Vine Trail, an ambitious project going through the heart of Napa Valley. Park your car and ride 6 miles from Napa to Yountville for lunch.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Outback to the Future

    Some must-see destinations are written in the stars. Deep in Oregon's remote southern high desert lies the largest certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary on the planet. With 2.5 million acres of protected dark skies, you get the best of the celestial out here in what's known as the Oregon Outback, including geothermal soaks and an incredible playa that's a hidden gem.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

    Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

    View

  3. Hollywood Endings

    Hollywood legends may seem larger than life, but we all have to kick the bucket at some point. Still, the Hollywood Forever cemetery keeps legends’ spirits alive among 62 acres of green lawns, palm trees, landscaped gardens, and large, reflecting pools.

    View