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Wetland Overlook: A Bay Area Birdwatcher's Paradise

Discover a tranquil birdwatcher's paradise at Wetland Overlook in Redwood City, offering accessible trails and stunning views of restored tidal wetlands.

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The Wetland Overlook in Redwood City offers a tranquil escape into the San Francisco Bay's ecosystem, perfect for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Part of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, it features accessible trails and observation decks with views of diverse birdlife and the restored tidal wetlands of Bair Island.

A brief summary to Wetland Overlook

  • GPVX+MR, Redwood City, California, 94065, US
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching; Bair Island is a key stop on the Pacific Flyway.
  • Wear layers, as the weather in the San Francisco Bay Area can change quickly.
  • Check the tides before you go; low tide exposes mudflats, attracting a greater variety of shorebirds.
  • Visit during sunrise or sunset for stunning views and increased wildlife activity.
  • Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive habitats and avoid disturbing wildlife.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Highway 101, take the Whipple Avenue exit heading east. Follow the road as it curves sharply to the right and becomes East Bayshore Road. Continue straight, then make a sharp left as the road becomes Bair Island Road. Just before The Villas apartment complex, turn right at the sign for the wildlife refuge and park in the lot. Parking is free, but limited to 4 hours. Note that parking can be limited.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Menlo Park, take Caltrain northbound to Redwood City station. From the station, transfer to SamTrans bus route 270 or 274 towards 'Seaport Blvd & E Bayfront Expy'. Get off at the stop closest to Wetland Overlook, which is GPVX+MR, Redwood City, CA 94065. From the bus stop, walk approximately 0.2 miles to reach Wetland Overlook. A single ride on SamTrans costs $2.50.

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Discover more about Wetland Overlook

The Wetland Overlook, nestled within the Bair Island Ecological Reserve in Redwood City, California, offers a tranquil escape into the heart of the San Francisco Bay's vibrant ecosystem. Part of the larger Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, this easily accessible destination provides a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and importance of restored tidal wetlands. Bair Island itself is a fascinating area, comprised of three islands: Inner, Middle, and Outer, encompassing approximately 3,000 acres. Historically, the island was used for farming, grazing, and salt production, with levees built in the early 20th century to reclaim the area for agriculture. Fortunately, a proposed residential development was narrowly defeated by a citizen referendum in 1982, preserving the island's natural state. The Peninsula Open Space Trust purchased the property in 1996, and it became part of the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge, with the Bair Island Ecological Reserve established in 1997. The Wetland Overlook specifically focuses on Inner Bair Island, offering accessible hiking trails atop a levee, leading to observation decks at either end. These trails are part of the evolving San Francisco Bay Trail, which will eventually connect Steinberger Slough to Redwood Creek. The flat, wide trails are generally wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive destination for all visitors. As you stroll along the trails, you'll be immersed in a landscape dominated by salt marsh-loving plants like pickleweed and gumplant. The twice-daily tidal flows expose mudflats, creating a rich feeding ground for a variety of shorebirds, waterbirds, gulls, and terns. Keep an eye out for the endangered California Ridgway's rail and the salt marsh harvest mouse, as Bair Island provides critical habitat for these species. Harbor seals are also frequently spotted in Corkscrew Slough, which bisects Bair Island. The Wetland Overlook is a haven for birdwatchers, offering ample opportunities to observe a diverse array of avian species. The location's proximity to both urban areas and the San Carlos Airport creates a unique juxtaposition, with constant freeway traffic and low-flying planes serving as a backdrop to the thriving birdlife.

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