Awesome spot not too far away from everything where you can get a nice run or hike in along the salt marshes and reconnect with nature a bit. There is lots of parking a short walk away from the trail. It is just over 3 miles out and back to the bridge on flat, packed gravel. You can see lots of birds and squirrels along your path and even though you come close to 101 you can't really hear the cars on the road which is nice. Only thing that I reduced a star for is that the parking seemed a little sketchy with some cars there that appear to have been abandoned, but there is a public bathroom there and it is close to housing complexes so it seems safe enough. read more

Bair It All Located in Redwood City, this former salt pond has now been rehabilitated into a 3k-acre tidal marsh area that lies within the Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The Good: * Easy walking trails that are good for any and all ages. * Lots of benches to stop and admire the views. * Free to visit. * Parking lot (more on this below). * Restroom in parking lot (more on this below). * Great place to see shorebirds and just birdwatching in general. * Good for plane spotting as the marsh is right in the flight line for the nearby San Carlos Airport. * Bikes OK. The Meh: * Lots of mosquitoes. * Parking lot is suspect as f***. Make sure to not leave any valuables in sight, and lock up! * No dogs allowed. * Only about 3.5 miles of trails, and it's an out and back. The Ugly: * The park is in disrepair, as the restroom was not operational on our visit and one of the main observation decks was closed. * Zero shade on the trail. Not ideal on warm days. Conclusion: Normally I love these types of parks because they're a nice, easy walk with tons of nature, but this place just didn't do it for me. Between the noise of the freeway, general disrepair of the place, and suspect location, I doubt we'll be back. read more

See all

Easy public parking. Water for humans and dogs. Benches and a few picnic tables. Clean paved trail with views of the bay and inlet. Have a seat and watch the planes and pelicans. EV Charging spot available. read more

Bair Island - Public Shore - Parks Near Me - Redwood City, California

See all

Visited the Bair Island Wildlife Refuge and Trail on a Sunday afternoon, and absolutely loved the environment. You can easily walk/run both trails since the longer one is only about 1.7 miles one way (these aren't loops, so you get to an observation deck/platform at the end of each trail, then turn around and backtrack toward the entrance). Flat running trails are all good for me... I ran both, encountering birds and squirrels along the way. On a good day, you may also find a rabbit or two (or jackrabbit, to be exact, which is not the same thing). And it wasn't crowded, like some other parks get during the summer, quite the opposite actually. Sure, you can see and hear the traffic of the 101 freeway, parallel to the trails, but you still get to be among nature with a view of the salt marsh for miles in the distance, a feeling  which drowns out the aforementioned noise. The free parking lot (4 hours max) and public restrooms (located at the entrance of the parking lot) add to the convenience and appeal of this place. read more

See all

What an enjoyable, flat dirt road meandering through a protected marsh area. 2 wooden lookouts at each end with 2 different entrances. There is a dedicated parking lot with restrooms. Located right next to a marina and condos. No shade. read more

See all

I decided to participate in POST (Peninsula Open Space Trust) hike/trail of the month. January starts off at Bair Island. Living here in the Bay Area for most of my life, I am surprised that I haven't actually been to this trail before. The trail is dirt/gravel and mainly flat. I think my watch recorded 11 feet of elevation, but that just might have been from going up the ramp on the observation deck at the end of the trail. If it rains, the trail is going to be wet with puddles; however, when I went, it had not rained for several days so it was mostly dry with a few muddy spots. This trail is nice as it runs along the bay; however, it also runs parallel to the freeway, and at the beginning of the trail there is major construction currently going on, so not that peaceful when you are thinking of walking/hiking. Overall, I thought it was a nice trail to run along, not many people and I didn't have a problem finding parking. read more

Bair Island - Parks Near Me - Redwood City, California

See all

Checked out Bair Island Sat 7/3/21. I used the GPS coordinates from POST website and made it fine. It's in Redwood City about 20min from me. Free parking, good size lot hrs 7am-8pm. 4hr parking limit, no overnight. Separate men & women single bathroom. Women's has flushed toilet, sink, water, hand dryer, but No soap. From parking lot go back to the road, cross the street, trail on the left where u go through a door. Trail opens at 7am. We did the short 0.3mi each way to the Observation Deck. Then repeat to get back. Out & back. Saw a jackrabbit. Continue the other way towards Hwy 101 that is a 1.7mi hike one way. Saw more jackrabbits, some birds far away. Went to other Observation Deck and back. Flat hike both ways, easy. Total hike 4 miles. read more

This is the "other side" of the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge. I personally prefer the Newark side. The Redwood City side pales in comparison but if you live in this city and don't want to drive to Newark for the better scenery and changes in elevation, then this will do for a daily hike. You'll see the marsh and occasional plane overhead, some water birds, and experience the interesting island concept where it takes a short walk across a bridge and you've set foot on an island. There are a few overlooks but for the most part, the hike will be flat and there's no shade overhead so plan accordingly if you decide to do this hike during the summer. read more

See all

As a result of the arrival of the European immigrants in 18th century , much of the wet lands /marshes in California has been lost (90%) due to agriculture and development. Native American relied on salt, fish , wild games in/around wetlands for food and medicinal sources for thousands of years. Loss of wetlands /marshes has caused many native species to extinct or endangered; Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse, Steelheads , Ridgeway Rail , Red Legged Frogs , Kit Foxes, etc. The refuge, created in 1972, was largely the result of grassroots efforts by the local community to protect the San Francisco Bay ecosystem. Major changes occurred in the San Francisco Bay Area following the California gold rush in 1849, creating a population boom explosive growth and development on sensitive lands surrounding the bay. The newly introduced salt industry, for example, converted tens of thousands of acres of salt marsh into commercial salt ponds. Conversion of wetlands to support development continued well into the 20th century, and today, nearly 85% of the bay's original marshes and shorelines have been altered ( read - lost ). Congressman Don Edwards, responding to local citizens who made up the South San Francisco Baylands Planning, Conservation and National Wildlife Refuge Committee, worked with Congress to create the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This group later became the Citizens Committee to Complete the Refuge and in 1988 helped add additional 20,000 acres, doubling the size of the refuge. The Citizens Committee to Complete the Refuge along with other Bay Area organizations work tirelessly to protect and enhance the Bay's remaining wetlands. The refuge was later renamed to Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge in 1995 to honor Congressman Edwards' dedication to the refuge and its mission, which is to preserve and enhance wildlife habitat; protect migratory birds and threatened and endangered species; and provide opportunities for wildlife-oriented recreation and nature study for the surrounding communities. Reference: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Don_Edwards_San_Francisco_Bay/about.html read more

See all

We had a bit of a blip on our way to Bair Island; my driving directions took me to a "Bair Island neighborhood" rather to Bair Island itself. We soon got on the correct road, but we passed the parking lot, which was not clearly marked. Eventually, we parked! I was a bit disappointed at the lack of wildlife on the August day we visited. I give it four stars because I am glad it exists, but the walk was not particularly interesting. Maybe it was the wrong time of year, but the closest I got to wildlife was this hawk-like bird that flew rather close overhead. Beware that dogs are prohibited here! read more

Bair Island - Sign in parking lot - Parks Near Me - Redwood City, California

See all

It does seem like sacrilege to complain about a walking trail, doesn't it? I mean what has a trail done to me that would cause such rancor other than the random blister under my foot. Actually, as a conservation effort, Bair Island is exemplary as it is being restored to a tidal marsh to sustain the migrating birds that land there. It's also saving the salt marsh harvest mouse, and who doesn't love a rodent? But as a place to take a walk, how do I put this? OK, it's boring and flat...and kinda loud because it's right next to the 101. You are definitely challenged to feel like you're part of nature. There are two trails from the entrance at the end of a footbridge which is gated to prevent dogs from entering. The one on the left is the longer one, but both end up on platforms where you hope you see something interesting (photo: http://bit.ly/2NBPKM4). I didn't but I wish you better luck. It's a cinch to get here. Just take the Whipple Avenue exit toward the bay and drive on the frontage road until you reach the end on Uccelli Drive. If you think you've mistakenly landed in a condo complex, you're there. There are a few open parking spaces next to the playground. Just walk to the footbridge from there. You'll get FitBit steps but no floors. What can I say? RELATED - Up for a hike? Here are the places around the Bay Area where I have trod: bit.ly/2OsCCsK read more

See all

By no means is this the most scenic part of the Bay Area. This is a hike around a saltwater marsh on reclaimed land. It was supposed to be a hike, however I ended up running a good part of the 4.4 miles. It was more like a run-walk. Day 2 of being very nice to myself. read more

Bair Island - Saltwater marshes - Parks Near Me - Redwood City, California

Kayaked on New Year's Day and thought I was going to be the only one out there. Alas, I saw several other kayaks as well as other water craft including a racing shell and a paddle boarder. Although the place is huge, be careful of shallow areas. Apparently, the current is not as strong during high and low tides; therefore, Peninsula Open Trust recommends consulting a tide chart. If you like to watch birds, bring your binoculars. The egrets are particularly shy. Address of port of Redwood City: 601 Chesapeake Dr, Redwood City, CA Launch Fee is $5, CASH only, no change, pay at machine, leave ticket on dash Tide Chart: https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9414523&legacy=1 read more

Bair Island - $5 for launch ramp fee - Parks Near Me - Redwood City, California

See all

There are so many negative reviews. Let me start by saying I'm not sure what people expected. First as mentioned by others it's a marsh wetland so yes it will be flat and duh it's close to the 101. the marshland can't help that. (SMH) The beaches in CA Are also close to m as by highways hotels etc yet Most people don't complain about hotels sitting on prime beachfront. Ok so back to the marsh, depending on when you do their is a large variety of water fowl enjoying the area. If birds are not your thing you probably won't enjoy it. If you go at low tide you might not care for it either. Yes, it's flat, no trees but again it's a marsh wetland not a park or forest. We enjoy the area for a walk to enjoy the waterfowl, the various marsh plants. Just getting outside where their aren't crowds and dog poop everywhere. read more

We road our bikes here and it's a nice place to do a short hike/walk. It's off highway 101. There isn't much shady area. There is a lot to park near the apartments and you can walk across the street to get to this trail. I liked how the community got together to save this trail . See my photos. read more

See all

It's funny how you can live in a place for so long and still find something new--one being Bair Island. Never heard of this place till I volunteered with save the bay. We were at a small section of middle bair and boy was the dirt soggy. With each walk, I accumulated a nice layer of mud below my shoes. This place doesn't offer you the Hawaiian island views but it's nature. She can look however she likes. Did you know that wetlands act as filters(eh hem trash) and as a sponge to prevent flooding? Do you know a minute part of Bair island history? from past to present -salt marsh and mudflats -Fred Bair owned a house on the island harvesting oysters and raising cattle -Leslie Salt built levees that divided the island into 3 sections: inner, middle and outer Bair Island -Mobil Oil Estates Limited bought the land and was later approved to develop a city with homes and a shopping on this piece of land -a local named Ralph Nobles and supporters fought against the plan and won -now part of a restoration project to preserve what's left of nature and bringing it back to life Public access on inner bair where you can jog and walk Middle and Outer is only accessible by boat/kayak read more

Right now you can't hike on Inner Bair Island and the Whipple entrance is closed. But you can still get to a trail to view the Island and Smith Slough from the Whipple entrance if you're walking or on a bike. You can park and come to the trail from the other side if you go further down Bair Island Road to the public shore access trail. From the trail there are a couple of natural history information signs that highlight the plants and bird life of the wetlands. You can see egrets, great blue herons, cormorants, Canada geese, Western grebes, terns, and lots of little sandpipers from the trail. Also some large trucks bringing dredged up harbor mud to fill in the central salt pond of Inner Bair -- so that birds won't nest there right in the path of the aerial approach to San Carlos airport. For a better view of Middle and Outer Bair islands you will have to go by boat! read more

Bair Island - Middle Bair Island - Parks Near Me - Redwood City, California

i've run here several times, including a race, rwc's annual oktoberun, and it's a nice, quieter place to run. even though i've lived in rwc for almost 5 yrs, i actually never knew about this place, or knew that there were trails here that were open to the public! from downtown rwc, if you take maple st up and over the freeway, you end up at the port of rwc, and if you continue eastward a bit more, you will be at bair island. this is a great place to take a kayak or yacht out on the water, or go sailing, or just take in the view on a beautiful clear day. there are also several trails, including a portion of the bay trail, suitable for running, hiking, walking, cycling. there's also a couple of small parks, suitable for children and families. i'm not too sure about the parking situation, since i've never actually driven here. on the slight downside, there are no restrooms, water fountains, or shade here, so best to use the facilities beforehand, hydrate, or carry fluids, and wear a hat/sunglasses/sunscreen, especially a on warm, suny day. i enjoy running here, for a change of scenery, to take in a different view of the bay and find my zen while on a run. read more

So happy this place is back. For a long time I feared they were going to build on these lands. Love that they are actually looking out for the environment by restoring the wetlands. As for the trail itself, its great for running. Back in the day you could do a full loop for 3 miles but now its two dead ends, which I don't mind. There are a couple benches at each end that could easily be used for some quick workouts. Will keep coming back to get my cardio fix. read more

Bair Island has potential, but there's just too much wrong with it :-( To begin with, the exhaust fumes from Highway 101 are strong enough to dispatch a member of the Walking Dead... There are those who say this place is a preserve; while someone more in the know than I might be able to tell you exactly what is being preserved here, I can safely say that it ain't life as we know it :-( All of the above not withstanding, there's a flat, easy, three mile loop trail here that's pretty much all gravel, so it makes for a nice run during the wet season. In the summer, be careful - this place turns into a dustbowl that would put 1930s Oklahoma to shame. read more

Portions of the Bair Island trail are open for business again. http://www.sfbws.com/blog/2015/12/11/decades-long-bair-island-restoration-project-comes-fruition Note that parking at Whipple and 101 is not available. Proceed also the frontage road (East Bayshore Rd) toward Uccelli Blvd and there is a parking lot past the car dealers specifically for the Don Edwards Bair Island Preserve. A new pedestrian bridge gets you on the trail near the parking lot. read more

What a magnificent new addition to the Bay. 2 miles of unique nature trails (4 miles round trip walk / run) with excellent placards and identification. Bair Island is a crucial 3,000 acre nature reserve preserved by the Peninsula Open Space Reserve. Now nature trails open it to the public. A bonus (for some) is being able watch light aircraft approach San Carlos airport right over head. read more

Why am I the first to review this place? Because, quite frankly, it sucks. Over the smell of exhaust from the 101 you can faintly detect the aroma of rotting wetlands. I've heard this place called a Preserve, though I'm not sure what it could be "preserving"; there isn't a bit of life in sight. However, it's an easy flat 3-mile gravel loop that, in the wet season, makes for a nice morning run. Watch out in the summer as it turns into a little dust bowl. I frequented this place when I lived nearby, but I'd never bother to visit otherwise. read more

The Bair Island loop is conveniently located off the 101 Whipple Avenue exit in Redwood City. It's an easy 3.2 mile loop and great for late afternoon, early evenings, or early mornings (whenever the freeway traffic is light). The views of the hills to the west are lovely as are the vistas of the Redwood City slough, the port, and the burgeoning wetland bird life. During the spring the wild flowers bloom here almost making you forget the noise from the freeway and the private planes taking off and landing at the near by airport. During the wet season the trails become difficult to nagivate because of the overwhelming muddiness, but if you like the challenge of running in the mud, go for it! read more

I love it here. My very own private wasteland retreat. Sucks being right by 101 but once you're out there it is right as rain. Sunsets here are spectacular and my dog loves getting crazy in the bushes. read more

Bair island sucks! They shoot wild ducks at 5 am and it's so loud! And they come every single morning and it's so annoying!

It's not a bad wetlands Refuge. My complaint is that it's so close to Highway 101, almost all you hear is 101. It's also relatively small. I would recommend the wetlands on the other side of the San Mateo Bridge. On the bright side, as of the 1st of April 2018, there are several varieties of wildflowers on display. Definitely worth a look if you're close, but I wouldn't go out of my way. read more

Update: looks like the hole in the fence has been sealed securely. The off-leash dogs can't get on the Bayshore trail anymore. Kudos to the city and it's police force for fixing the situation! Thank you. read more

I work in downtown RWC and find it a nice place to get a 5 mile run in. Yes there are construction trucks but they are nice enough to stay put of the way, and for the most part you are running on dirt. Here is my loop: http://i.imgur.com/jwnnmfU.png read more

So great to finally have Bair Island open to visitors! With 90% of San Francisco Bay having been filled in for housing, roads and other infrastructure, Bair Island is the largest remaining piece of undeveloped bay wetlands. It's such a wonderful and ecologically important refuge and a perfect place for a family walk or bike ride. It's especially beautiful at high tide. You can see a local tide chart here: http://tides.mobilegeographics.com/locations/5269.html read more