Wetland Makeover

Walk Hamilton Wetlands in Novato

With egrets mingling in the maze of marshes, and unobstructed views of Mount Burdell to the north and Mount Diablo to the east, it's hard to imagine that just over a year ago Novato's serene Hamilton Wetlands were the concrete remains of a former military runway. Now they're yours to explore, thanks to a new 2.7-mile (one-way) section of the Bay Trail that was unveiled last summer. Traverse the restored area along a flat dirt path punctuated by benches, three viewing platforms, and informative placards about birdlife and the wetlands restoration project. Access this segment of the Bay Trail via a short and well-marked half mile up and over adjacent Reservoir Hill. You'll get outstanding views from the shoreline out to San Pablo Bay. Once at the bottom of Reservoir Hill, turn right onto the Bay Trail. A wall separates bay and trail from homes as you make your way past Hamilton Army Airfield. Pass through sloping black oak forest as you approach the southernmost end of the trail, across from prime water birding territory. Bring binoculars!

hamiltonwetlands2-image-jpeg

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. 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

Trending Stories SoCal

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. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    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. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View