Bair Island Wildlife Refuge & Trail

Such a wonderful open space that highlights the restoration of natural wetlands. I saw a variety of birds and enjoyed a gentle morning breeze as I walked the path.

Seems like a great spot for birding. I saw 2 photographers with some seriously long camera lenses taking shots of a large white heron or egret.

Dogs are not allowed on the main trail - just FYI! There is an outer trail (see the map) for dogs though. Parking was easy across the road where the public bathrooms are!

Great experience with my buddy…
Flat and open trail perfect for brisk walk and biking.
There are observatory deck on either end of the trail for observing the wild life especially the birds which migrate during different seasons and from different parts of US.

Colse encounter with a beautiful hummingbird..
Will go with my bike next time…

We love this trail. It’s 2.6miles one way. It’s super pretty when it’s is high tide. This open space is reserved as home for migratory species bird.

On clear day you can see Hayward and Fremont peaks.

My kids love biking here.

A lovely 3.5 mi state trail to walk and enjoy the nature around you..

I have been coming to this place since I was a kid (1990). At that time it was a full circle and if You wanted You would cut right thru the middle. Great place to jog, bicycling, walk and relax. I like it how it was before, but I don't mind the improvements that have been made for the benefit of the wildlife. Kids love it now just like I did when I was a Kid. Benches are plentiful if they get a little tired.

The trail can be bit noisy as it's next to 101 but overall very good place to escape to for a quick walk. Lots of free 4 hour parking and didn't look super busy

Nice short path along the marshes with lots of birds. No dogs allowed. Great signage and history. Parking at end of road with about 10 slots, bocce court, new playground and covered picnic tables

Bair Island is a vital and beautiful gem, a preserved space from an earlier era, and one of the last remaining natural marshlands in the bay. It is home for innumerable birds, feasting on the creatures of the muck and mud and tall grasses. Go there and watch them.

Wonderful 1.7 hike, flat for low tech walkers. Tons of birds! Lovely smells.

The trail is flat, great for families with young kids! Lots of birds and sometimes rabbits too!

This is an amazing place and project. I grew up in Redwood City, and this place was completely different when I was a kid. In the early 2000s a restoration of Bair island was started, to restore the local ecology here. Allowing nature to reclaim and thrive in an area takes time. Lots of progress has been made over the last year and there's promise of a timelapse video to show it. There are signs from which visitors can take a picture and submit to the video project. Check out Instagram #restorebair1 and #restorebair2 to get a peak at the transformation. Other reviews are likely dated and not a reflection of the current state. It is not just for residents of the nearby housing developments and has access to the bay trail cycling road that goes parallel highway 101. The two main draws for me are the views of the bay, and the facinating local wildlife. I'm partial to the birds.

Nice place to walk around and enjoy the wildlife. Bathroom is gross though so use it before you come.

Easy walking with some nice lookouts and educational signs. Also there are apartments right next to it that have a sidewalk trail overlooking the water, which is a nice add on if you want. There's also public parking.

Lovely nature preserve and birding area which we were unaware of. Less crowds so far.

It had great places to take picture and a wonderful view but it was sad to see somuch of the wildlife gone

Great place to appreciate habitat restoration and conservation efforts. Wear protection under the sun as there's no shade at all.

I hate to let the secret out bc people will overwhelm this gem of a refuge. It's a fantastic place to bird and enjoy the bay from a unique perspective. Come and enjoy but please be respectful so everyone can enjoy. One advice, after you get pass the gate and get to the info board, go right toward the bay to get to the wooden deck. Enjoy! Cheers…

Flat, crushed gravel trails with no shade and fantastic open views of the bay marsh. Perfect if that is what you are looking for. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a windbreaker.

Open flat trail with good views of the bay, sloughs, birds and airplanes taking off or landing at San Carlos airport, Redwood City port. Best at medium or high tides.

Great place to sit and relax by the pond and watch birds. You will hardly find anyone in the area. Dogs/pets are not allowed. I didn't see restrooms in the area either. There's no playground in the area, parking is limited. Definitely worth spending an hour or two.