Feather Fanfare

Birdwatch at Ravenswood Preserve in the South Bay

Man standing at boardwalk overlooking the wetland at Ravenswood Preserve

Feathery birds swing and swoop on the edge of the San Francisco Bay, surrounded by the Diablo Range and Santa Cruz Mountains. Seeing it all from a levee in Ravenswood Preserve makes a wonderful morning stroll. Combined with neighboring Cooley Landing Park, there are 2.2 miles of trails off Bay Road to explore. They’re mostly flat, with observation decks and benches to soak up the views.

From Cooley Landing Park, head west on a paved trail to Ravenswood Bridge. Cross to the wide asphalt Bay Trail, a great option for strollers and wheelchairs. To the right is a 0.1-mile paved spur to the southern observation deck. To the left, the Bay Trail continues north towards the northern observation deck. (Note: The last 0.5 mile to the northern observation deck is gravel.)

Both decks overlook the edge of the San Francisco Bay, where birds like the endangered Ridgway’s rail, as well as American avocets, ducks, herons, and egrets hunt the mudflats for food. It’s very beautiful and peaceful watching their signature birdie hops, bathing routines, and little chicks in tow. Bring binoculars if you can.

As you stroll along the Bay Trail, tides channel in and out of the yellow-green and soft brown marshland. Just 0.7 mile north of the Ravenswood Bridge is a newly built wooden boardwalk with educational panels and benches. The boardwalk transitions to a paved ADA-accessible trail connecting to University Avenue. 

This 0.6-mile boardwalk and paved trail combo was completed in 2020, a critical missing link in the planned 500-mile San Francisco Bay Trail. Now that it’s built, bicyclists and pedestrians are connected to 80 continuous miles of the Bay Trail that link neighboring communities and parks, including the Dumbarton Bridge.

Directions: Ravenswood Preserve is located in East Palo Alto, just south of the Dumbarton Bridge. Parking is available at Cooley Landing Park, 2100 Bay Road, East Palo Alto. A 0.3-mile paved trail connects Cooley Landing Park to Ravenswood Preserve. Ravenswood Preserve is open a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset. Cooley Landing Park is open from sunrise to sunset. No dogs.

Story and Photos by Melissa Ozbek, @melissaozbek.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View