I'm going off-script from my fanatical peakbagging in covering Bair Island Ecological Reserve. It's fairly flat, urbanized and not exactly a destination for hiking. But good events in life have naturally contracted my world to a much smaller one. While I'll eventually return to mountain climbing, I must find contentment in the more pedestrian destinations of the Bay Area. Fortunately, the Peninsula is chock-full of lovely hiking. I felt Bair Island is one of those refuges deserving more credit.
Bair Island Ecological Reserve Overview
Bair Island Ecological Reserve is part of the sprawling Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge which practically rings the South Bay. Interestingly, it was the first urban national wildlife refuge, established in 1974. Bair Island is a small but highly accessible section of the massive preserve. Fun fact; Interior Secretary Deb Haaland visited in early 2024. It was fun and a little amusing to see a national figure photographed in a place I've been over 100 times.
Best access for hiking is the public lot located on Bair Island Road. Parking is free but with a 4 hour limit. The parking lot is safe - I've never seen characteristic piles of broken glass that are common in trailheads with frequent break-ins. From a biking or walking standpoint, Bair Island is connected to the Bay Trail. Trails in the preserve are universally flat, wide and mostly dirt; essentially making them wheelchair accessible.
This preserve is open for hiking 7 days a week sunrise to sunset. I've visited on major holidays- it never seems to close.
Hiking and Biking Trails at Bair Island
Bair Island has roughly 2 miles of trails, all flat and wide. Trails are open to hiking and biking. I've frequently taken strollers on the paths. There's essentially two options- the longer trail to the more distant birding platform and the shorter trail to the closer platform. I recommend doing both. Given its proximity to Silicon Valley, I like hiking here after work or as a sunset walk after work.
From the parking lot, cross the street and follow the dedicated footpath to a bridge about 100 yards ahead. Cross the bridge and arrive at an intersection. For the longer trail, go right and follow it about 1.5 miles to the birding platform. Though lacking in wilderness quality, the trail has worthy charms. Sweeping views of the East Bay Hills and Mt Diablo create a stark contrast to the urban corridor it runs against. I've seen some fantastic sunsets along this trail. Also, there's a great birding spot about halfway to the platform where the trail takes a conspicuous bend. Unobstructed views of one of the sloughs offer a great spot for waterfowl viewing. The platform at the end is actually not the greatest birding spot as it's quite close to the San Carlos Airport. Return the same way you came for a 3.2 mile out-and-back hike.
For the shorter leg, simply go right at the intersection and walk a quarter mile to the birding platform. Though closer to the parking lot, its a better option for birding. A mix of grasslands, tidal marshes and relatively deeper water in the slough allows more species variety. The telephone poles are perfect spots for raptors who perch above and swoop in on unsuspecting prey. Out-and-back from parking lot to the closer platform is about 0.6 miles.
More on Birding
Bair Island is a great spot for some casual birding and is especially approachable for a novice birder. Winter is the best season for variability. Ruddy Ducks, Northern Shovelers, Canvasbacks, Buffleheads, Goldeneyes, Grebes, Avocets and flocks of Willets abound. White Tailed Kites with their helicopter-like hovering are a treat to see as well. I'm fairly confident I saw a Red Throated Loon in one January day.
Like much of the Bay, birds are less numerous and varied in the summer. However acrobatic Forster's Terns and massive Caspian Terns are seasonal stars. Barn and Cliff swallows occur in larger numbers which attract occasional Peregrine Falcons. Trilly resident Alameda Song Sparrows punctuate the drone of nearby 101.
Year-round, Black Phoebes dart across the marshlands; I'm always captivated by their movement though they're relatively common. I don't think I've ever visited and not seen any Snowy Egrets and a Great Blue Heron. Our dear California Towhees call the preserve home as well.
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