Downtown San Francisco viewed from the deck of a kayak launched at the city's new Water Trail site. (Photo courtesy Ben Botkin, Association of Bay Area Governments)
The San Francisco Bay Area and Central California coast are full of wonderful places to explore in a kayak, from the Russian River south to Monterey and from bayshore wetlands to the wave-swept coast. We’ve compiled some information to help … Read more
Despite covering a large area that has abundant wildlife, the San Pablo Baylands offer few public access points, among them the following sites (listed roughly from east to west): Ponds 1/1a: These former salt evaporation ponds are now owned and … Read more
6th Edition, by the California Coastal Commission, University of California Press, 2003, 304 pages, $22.50 (www.ucpress.edu). If you love to hike the coastline, visit tidepools or simply get your feet wet in the surf, make a place on your … Read more
Swimmers plunge into the Bay at Aquatic Park for the swim to Alcatraz and back. Photo by Charles Kennard. The best way to appreciate San Francisco Bay is to experience it firsthand. There’s nothing like getting some spray on your … Read more
There are quite a few reservoirs and artificial lakes in and around the Bay Area that are open to the public for a variety of recreational acitivities. Following is a listing of many of these which, while not necessarily comprehensive, … Read more
There are two kayak launch sites for Elkhorn Slough: Kirby Park and Moss Landing Harbor District Launch Site (just north of Moss Landing). You can rent kayaks at the latter site. Be sure to check tide and weather conditions before … Read more
On the edge of the tidal marsh fringing Suisun Slough, a streaky dark-brown sparrow gleans seeds of tules and other rushes from the exposed mud. A shadow passes: a northern harrier, cruising for mice. The sparrow vanishes into a tangle … Read more