Accessible Trail: Yes (compacted earth, boardwalk)
Mileage: 0.75 mile loop
Each year, the turning of the seasons brings millions of visitors to Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge in the spring and fall. They travel great distances to enjoy the bounty of the area, some coming from as far away as the Arctic Circle. These visitors, of course, are the over 280 species of birds traveling along the Pacific Flyway. Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge offers great opportunities to view some of our winged neighbors.
The refuge sits just south of the Dumbarton bridge, along the southern end of San Francisco Bay. Thanks in large part to local grassroots efforts, the refuge was established in 1974 and is the first urban wildlife refuge in the nation. It is easily overlooked as you travel around the bay, but its 30,000 acres and miles of hiking trails provide for relaxing scenery and ample opportunity for wildlife viewing.
From the parking area near the Visitors Center, a paved service road leads uphill to a overlook. On a clear day, you can see just about every part of the Bay Area; from the downtown San Francisco skyscrapers to the north and San Jose and Silicon Valley to the south. Directly in front of you, Newark Slough cuts through the marshland.
To begin your stroll through the marshland, head back down the service road, following the signs for the Tidelands Trail. The trail soon breaks from the service road, splitting left and heading downhill. Follow the switchback down the trail and you'll soon meet a wooden boardwalk to your right. The boardwalk elevates you above the marsh, leading you over the slough. A sheltered picnic area appears after a short distance - a great place to enjoy a snack with a view.
The boardwalk deposits you onto the compacted, salty earth of the area. The compacted earth trails of the Newark Slough trail can take you on a five mile loop to the right, but the trail becomes uneven at some areas and doesn't make for the most accessible hike. Instead, stay to the left, keeping the water to your right. Birds of all size and shape can be found walking the shore with you. In the spring wildflowers abound, covering the hills to your left with large swaths of orange, yellow, purple and white.
Your return bridge and boardwalk appear in short order, leading you back left back over the slough. Head left once more at the "T" intersection, making your way along the base of the hill. You'll soon find the trail that brought you down to the marsh. Traverse the switchbacks once more to head back up the hill to the parking area.
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