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Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area Preserve: A Bayfront Birdwatcher's Paradise

Discover a peaceful escape and birdwatcher's paradise at this unique bayfront preserve, nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley.

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Escape the Silicon Valley bustle at this 55-acre preserve, a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Located on the San Francisco Bay, it offers easy trails, stunning views, and a chance to spot diverse birdlife amidst the tech landscape.

A brief summary to Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area Preserve

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching, especially during spring and fall migrations.
  • Visit during dawn or dusk for the best chances to spot wildlife.
  • Follow the Levee Trail for an easy, accessible walk with great views.
  • Check the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District website for updated information on trail conditions and closures.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Highway 101, take the Shoreline Boulevard East exit towards Shoreline Park. After entering Shoreline Park, turn right into the 'Kite Area' parking lot. Parking is free. From the parking lot, follow signs to the rust-colored arched bridge that crosses Stevens Creek to reach the Levee Trail.

  • Public Transport

    Take Caltrain to the Mountain View Station. From the station, you can take the VTA Bus 40 or 42 towards the Mountain View Transit Center. Get off at the Rengstorff Ave and Stevens Creek Blvd stop. Walk east on Stevens Creek Blvd towards the entrance of Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area Preserve. Alternatively, from the Caltrain station, connect to the Stevens Creek Trail by heading north on Moffett Boulevard, then right on Central Avenue. Follow the trail north into Shoreline Park. A single VTA bus fare is $2.50. Caltrain fares vary depending on the zones traveled.

  • Ride Share

    From the Mountain View Caltrain station, a rideshare (Uber/Lyft) to the Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area Preserve will cost approximately $15-$20.

  • Walking

    From the Shoreline Amphitheatre parking lot, Section E, walk towards the kite-flying area. At the end of the lot, look for the rust-colored arched bridge that leads across Stevens Creek to the levee trail. Follow the paved road down to the Crittenden storm water pumping station and turn sharply left at the pump station. Then, at the trail sign, turn right toward the Stevens Creek Trail. Turn left onto Stevens Creek Trail and then right onto the rust-colored bridge to the levee.

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Discover more about Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area Preserve

The Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area Preserve offers a unique juxtaposition: a tranquil natural space nestled against the backdrop of Silicon Valley's technological hub. This 55-acre bayfront preserve, managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, is a haven for diverse birdlife and a peaceful escape for nature lovers. Originally a tidal salt marsh, the area's landscape evolved due to the construction of salt ponds and flood control channels. Today, it features a mix of non-tidal open water, diked salt marsh, and seasonal wetlands, creating a diverse ecosystem that supports a wide array of species. The preserve is particularly renowned as a birdwatcher's paradise, especially during spring and fall migrations. Visitors can observe various waterfowl and shorebirds, including black-necked stilts, mallards, egrets, herons, cormorants, and pintails. Lucky visitors might even spot burrowing owls or the endangered Ridgway's rail. The Levee Trail, a half-mile gravel path, provides easy access to prime viewing spots. The trail is mostly level and suitable for families, and those with mobility needs. The preserve is accessible from the San Francisco Bay Trail, a planned 500-mile walking and cycling path around the entire San Francisco Bay. The Stevens Creek Trail also connects to the preserve, offering a route from various points in Mountain View and Cupertino.

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