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Trail along the coastal marshes and South San Francisco Bay with sweeping views of the area.


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Map Key

1.3

Miles

2.0

KM

Point to Point

11' 3 m

High

9' 3 m

Low

4' 1 m

Up

5' 1 m

Down

0%

Avg Grade (0°)

1%

Max Grade (0°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Views

Family Friendly This trail is a level, paved path for most of the duration, making this a great trail to take the kids on a bike ride. It has great views of the San Francisco Bay and many different birds.

The Ravenswood Open Space Preserve is open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.

Description

The Bay Trail to North Observation Platform is a trail that follows a coastal marsh along the South San Francisco Bay. There is a parking lot at Cooley Landing where you can leave your car and work your way down to the trail, which is part of the longer Bay Trail system.

The trail crosses over a bridge and enters the preserve where various birds can be seen throughout the year. To the right, a trail leads out to the South Observation Platform where you can enjoy views of the bay and Dumbarton Bridge. The trail continues straight on a double wide paved trail that follows the edge of the preserve.

This is great for cycling or running if you are so inclined. After about a mile, the Bay Trail breaks off to the left over a wooden bridge system while the Bay Trail to North Observation Point continues straight and becomes a double wide gravel trail. The trail passes under some power lines and continues to work its way out toward the bay.

It turns to the right as it approaches the North Platform. From here, you are very close to the bay and can enjoy watching various birds hunting in the marsh and mudflats when the tide is low. You can enjoy views toward the Cooley Landing Park and Education Center.

Now, you work your way at least to where the Bay Trail breaks off and can either turn to the right to continue your adventure, or work your way back to the car.

Flora & Fauna

The marsh is home to various birds, including egrets, great blue herons, white pelicans and various ducks. At various times throughout the year, migrating birds can be seen stopping over in the marshes and along the bay.

Contacts

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 2 votes

#28287

Overall
  3.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#3,065

in California

#28,287

Overall
14 Views Last Month
153 Since Dec 12, 2020
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

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Photos

View across the marsh from the North Observation Platform toward the Cooley Landing Education Center.
Dec 15, 2020 near East Pa…, CA
The Bay Area Trail is paved and passes through the Ravenswood Open Space Preserve and provides you the opportunity to observe various birds and other animals.
Dec 15, 2020 near East Pa…, CA

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