Bay Nature Hike: China Camp State Park, San Rafael

Photo courtesy of Friends of China Camp

Join Friends of China Camp State Park’s executive director, Martin Lowenstein and Bay Nature’s Wes Radez for a hike along the Turtle Back and Shoreline trails. China Camp offers beautiful views of the San Pablo Bay waterfront and features an extensive intertidal salt marsh, meadow, and oak habitats. The State Park is known for its Chinese shrimp-fishing village which thrived on this site in the 1880s. Today, it’s one of the few remaining ecologically intact landscapes of the San Francisco Estuary. A representative of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System Science Collaborative will be joining us to talk about NERR's sea level rise adaptation project that allows for long-term transportation needs, marsh resilience, recreational use, and archaeological and tribal resource protection.

Date and Time: Sunday, March 17, 10-11:30 am

Meet your hike leaders:

Martin Lowenstein is the first executive director of Friends of China Camp. He has successfully raised the profile and grown community involvement and commitment to the park. Prior to joining the organization, Martin had been consulting with nonprofits, sharing his expertise in resource development and governance.

Wes Radez is Bay Nature's executive director and a community builder passionate about environmental stewardship. Before arriving at Bay Nature, Wes was the director of development and marketing for the Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation, managing and investing assets in partnership with community, and civic groups. His passions outside of work include travel, live music and nurturing reluctant vegetables to maturity.

Hike location: Turtle Back Hill Nature Trail in China Camp State Park, 811 N San Pedro Rd, San Rafael, CA 94901

Route: Turtle Back Nature Trail and possibly Shoreline Trail

Hike length: 1 - 2 miles, as time allows

Hike difficulty: Easy

Parking: Shoulder of road near Turtle Back Trailhead

Elevation change/Uneven terrain: ADA compliant trail, even terrain

Access to restrooms and water: There is no restroom or fresh water access near the Turtle Back Trailhead. Public restrooms with flush toilets are available at day-use areas, including China Camp Point and China Camp Village. 

Other notes: Please bring water and dress appropriately for the weather (bring warm layers, sun protection, etc.). Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entirety of the hike. No bikes or dogs permitted on Turtle Back Nature Trail.

COVID-19 guidelines: Please stay at home if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.

If you have any questions, please contact barbara@baynature.org.