SUNDAY DRIVE

San Rafael’s Bay Trail

What you’ll see: This is probably the prettiest stretch of bay shoreline you don’t know about. This span of the Bay Trail runs along the waterfront of San Pablo Bay, from Pickleweed Park south along the waterfront to Shoreline Park. Both trailheads are in city parks that are little known outside the area. This is a great trip for a pretty walk, run or dog romp, or to fish or photograph.

The trail: The Bay Trail is perched on a waterfront levee that extends from just south of the mouth of San Rafael Canal south toward the Richmond Bridge. Along the way, you pass a series of wetlands with shorebirds and waterfowl on one side, dramatic water views on the other. The walk is flat and easy, whether you go 200 yards for the waterfront view or continue south toward San Quentin.

The views: Directly offshore is the Marin Island National Wildife Refuge, one of the best breeding areas for egrets and herons on the bay. Beyond is Point San Pablo. San Quentin Point and the Richmond Bridge are to the south, Mount Tamalpais looms overhead to the west. You’ll see passing ships and fishing boats.

Fish: The fishing for striped bass has been excellent at the top of the tide and the start of outgoing tide. The best bet has been using Worm-Tail jigs. The best spot is where there is a sharp bend in the trail. Tide note: Minus tides kill it; the bottom of low tides is equally poor.

Cost: Parking, access free.

HOW TO GET THERE

From San Francisco: From the entrance to the Golden Gate Bridge, continue north on Highway 101 for 11.5 miles to the exit for Interstate 580 (signed for Richmond Bridge, Francisco Boulevard). Take that exit and go 0.3 of a mile to Bellam Boulevard. Turn left on Bellam and go 0.2 of a mile to Kerner Boulevard. Turn left on Kerner and drive 0.5 of a mile to Canal Street. Turn right on Canal and drive about 150 yards to Pickleweed Park and parking on the left.

From East Bay: From Berkeley, take Interstate 80 north for 1.1 miles to the split with I-580 west. Keep right to merge with I-580 west (signed for San Rafael, Point Richmond) and drive 12.9 miles (over the San Rafael-Richmond Bridge) to the exit for Francisco Boulevard (toward Highway 101 south/San Francisco). Take that exit for 0.2 of a mile to Bellam Boulevard. Turn right on Bellam and go 0.2 of a mile to Kerner Boulevard. Turn left on Kerner and drive 0.5 of a mile to Canal Street. Turn right on Canal and drive about 150 yards to Pickleweed Park and parking on the left.

Distances: Four miles from Corte Madera, 12 miles from San Francisco, 12 miles from Novato, 15 miles from Berkeley, 27 miles from Pacifica, 29 miles from Vallejo, 33 miles from Walnut Creek, 37 miles from San Mateo.

Contacts: Pickleweed Park, San Rafael Parks & Recreation, (415) 485-3333; www.cityofsanrafael.org/comsvcs-home — click on “Parks & Recreation.”