Remote

You'll forget you’re in one of America’s most lively urban areas at these out-of-the-way segments of the Bay Trail.

Credit
San Francisco Estuary Partnership

Benicia State Recreation Area

Just minutes off Highway 780, you’ll find wind rushing through the tall grasses of this beautiful shoreline segment of Bay Trail and Bay Area Ridge Trail.

Napa River/Bay Trail (American Canyon)

These segments of trail are the result of two different types of reclamation: the Mike Thompson loop trail encircles a capped landfill, and the trail heading north along the Napa River abuts restored salt ponds. Head out to Glass Beach for a taste of solitude.

Sonoma Baylands Trail (Petaluma)

A great ride or walk, this 1.5-mile segment is a wonderful place for birding and for witnessing a wetland restoration in action. Park near Port Sonoma Marina and walk towards the bay.

Tubbs Tolay Trail, Highway 37 (Eastbound Only)

This trail segment is about as remote as it gets. Accessed only from eastbound Highway 37, a long and solitary unpaved path leads to the edge of San Pablo Bay. Once a loop trail, the levee supporting it has breached in several places. It’s well worth seeing, but be aware it’s a long out-and-back if undertaken in the clockwise direction!

Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District Trail (San Rafael)

An approximately 2-mile walk or ride from the parking lot/trailhead at the Sanitary District parking lot, this segment of Bay Trail will take you past the treatment ponds where birds and birdwatchers gather, then out to the district’s outer levee, seemingly miles from anywhere.

China Camp State Park (San Rafael)

This 3.7-mile bicycle (mountain bike recommended) and pedestrian trail threads through oak and bay woodlands and has a robust deer population, spectacular views of San Pablo Bay, and great history and a nice beach at China Camp Village.