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. Camp at Goose Lake in the Lakes Basin

    Duck, Duck, Goose!

    Try to get a first-come, first-served campsite at one of the Lakes Basin’s lakeside campgrounds. We love Goose Lake Campground, where there are just 13 sites and no motorized boats.

    View

  2. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View

  3. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Let's Go to Paso!

    Paso Robles is a good idea in all seasons, but one season brings a special bounty: harvest season! Road-trip ready and teeming with fall colors and fun events, Paso Robles is the ultimate destination for unique autumn experiences.

    View

  2. Can't Top This

    San Francisco’s Presidio was already a fantastic place to hang out for the afternoon, a beautiful site within the largest urban national park in the United States (the Golden Gate National Recreation Area). And Presidio Tunnel Tops is like a cherry on top. Make that two cherries on top, with the newly opened (July 2025) Outpost Meadow, a 1.5-acre green space located at Old Mason Street across from the Crissy Field Marsh in the Presidio.

    View

  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View

  4. Oh Ryan

    Sure, it’s those whimsical trees that give Joshua Tree National Park its marquee billing; but this beautiful landscape also has surrounding mountains and its night sky—one of the darkest in Southern California and designated an International Dark Sky Park. Joshua Tree has four allowable stargazing parking lots, and a newly opened haven for spending the night nearby...

    View