Bay Watch

Hike around Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve in Orange County

Two hikers go down the stairs towards the waters at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve in Orange County

Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is a vital part of California’s ecosystems. Its 178 acres shelters hundreds of native plants, birds, and insects, and the estuary, where fresh water meets the ocean, has three sensitive species—the California gnatcatcher, cactus wren, and burrowing owl. Interconnected trails here offer a lovely respite for appreciating the six habitats within the preserve: open water, mudflat, saltmarsh, upland, riparian, and freshwater marsh, all of which have their own thriving communities of flora and fauna.

Two hikers at a trailhead map for Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve in Orange County

A woman looks through a telescope out towards Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve in Orange County

Two hikers walking along a boardwalk bridge at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve in Orange County

For a 5-mile hike that covers the majority of the preserve, head toward the interpretive center from the parking lot. From there follow the trail until it connects with a paved path crossing a bridge and follow that through the upland habitat (marked by its dry slopes that support the coastal sage scrub community) till the fork with the equestrian trail. Take the right fork (onto the equestrian trail) and follow that until it dead-ends at the water.

Two hikers taking a closer look at the nature at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve in Orange County

Cacti in the foreground of a photo with the water of the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve in Orange County

Two hikers walk along a wide trail surrounded by shrubs at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve in Orange County

Backtrack the way you came until you cross back over the bridge, and then follow the dirt trail down as it parallels the freshwater San Diego Creek with views of the riparian habitat on your right, and the salt marsh and mud flats on your left (though the views of these vary depending on the tides). From there continue to follow the trail, veering left toward the water anytime the option arises. As you hike, keep your eyes open for waterfowl and seagulls flying over the open water and for land-based birds such as finches and doves darting around the trails. Eventually the trail will take you onto the paved path, and at that point, take the paved walking path back to the parking lot.

TIP: There are multiple opportunities to add on small spurs to further explore the estuary, all of which add on minimal mileage (it’s nearly impossible to get lost; the paved trail that encircles the preserve is always visible).

Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is located at 2301 University Dr. in Newport Beach. The preserve is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset. Free parking. Interpretive Center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday (except for major holidays). Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Natalie Bates, @wanderwithnatalie

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. 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
  2. Hike the Oursan Trail alongside Briones Reservoir in the East Bay

    Opt for Oursan

    Hike the trail less traveled in the East Bay's Briones Regional Park. The Oursan Trail is pure serenity on a wide hiking path skirting the northern shores of Briones Reservoir.

    View
  3. Most Peaceful Hike of All

    Is this the most peaceful one-hour hike in the Bay Area? It's got our vote! Lake Lagunitas is the smallest lake in a series of five found on the north side of Mount Tam, so it’s got that tiny but mighty charm. Do a 1.5-mile loop around the lake's shore-hugging trail.

    View
  4. 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

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Hiker amid trees at Oak Glen Preserve in Yucaipa Southern California

    Apple of Your Eye

    That fall feeling is definitely in the air and on display at the Oak Glen Preserve. Apple orchards and colorful leaves are a bonus, as are the apple cider donuts and slushies you can enjoy post-hike.

    View
  4. Hike San Diego Volcan Mountain Wilderness

    Planet of the Oaks

    Let us count the number of oak tree species in the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve near Julian: coast, scrub, canyon, black, and Engelmann. Five! The preserve’s Five Oaks Trail is a 3.2-mile hike that boasts all five.

    View