08-15-2020
Newport Beach, California
The Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve hike is an easy, family-friendly hike that encompasses education with a low committing work out. The area is scattered with fun knowledge about the neighboring ecological reserve and even has a fun interpretive center for indoor activities. Here's a great summary of the ecological reserve from the OC Parks website.
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve represent approximately 1,000 acres of open space. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve surrounds the Ecological Reserve. The park includes the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve totals approximately 135 acres. The Nature Preserve is made up of the bluffs surrounding the Bay. Three sensitive species use the bluffs: The California Gnatcatcher, San Diego Cactus Wren, and Burrowing Owl. Two important plant communities are found on the bluffs - grasslands and coastal sage scrub. Upper Newport Ecological Reserve totals 752 acres. This coastal wetland, one of the largest in southern California , is renowned as one of the finest bird watching sites in North America. During winter migration up to 35,000 birds may be using the Bay at one time. It is home to six rare or endangered species: Light Footed Clapper Rail, Brown Pelican, Belding's Savannah Sparrow, Black Rail, Peregrine Falcon and California Least Tern. The Bay is home to one endangered plant species - Saltmarsh Bird's Beak. Considered a "critical estuary" habitat - Upper Newport Bay is one of the most pristine remaining estuaries in Southern California.
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: N/A (Minimal)
Final Elevation: 75 ft.
Directions to the Parking Lot and Trailhead: Use the following address in Google Maps to route your directions to the start of the trailhead.
Parking Lot.
Start of the trailhead.
Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center
Continuing on...
#43.
Chris's Difficulty Scale - 1/10
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