When the Levee Breaks

Cullinan Ranch Birdwatching Walk

If you drive on Highway 37 between Sears Point and Vallejo you’ll notice a dramatic change: there’s water, water, everywhere! On January 6, the levee breached, intentionally, as part of an ongoing restoration project at Cullinan Ranch in the Napa River delta. For the first time in more than 100 years, the area was re-introduced to tidal water. It hasn’t taken long for birds of all varieties to jump back in. For the best experience during the winter season, time your visit close to sunset for fantastic scenery and maximum bird activity (snowy egrets seem most abundant here, currently). Chances are good you’ll have the place all to yourself. The staging area is simple – just a big sign that says “Pond 1 & Cullinan Ranch”.  Then it’s an easy straightaway 1.25-mile walk (one-way) along a path that bisects two large ponds. Walk until you reach two benches overlooking the water. From here, get a brilliant panorama of Mount Diablo, Mount Tam, and the Napa hills. As the sun sets, the feather-cloud sky strikes a fiery orange complexion before fading to deep lilac. Watch as the pink cast of overhead clouds begins mirroring on the water. Ducks seem to delight in the serene setting too, quietly coasting through the water, their wakes artfully reflected in the sinking light.

Cullinan Ranch is part of San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The parking area is on Hwy. 37 (only accessed in the westbound direction) between Vallejo and Sonoma Raceway. Walk north past the gate for 1.25 mile and return the way you came. Dog-friendly (except March 2 – June 30).

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