China Camp Hiking Loop – China Camp State Park

China Camp Hiking Loop – China Camp State Park

China Camp Hiking Loop – China Camp State Park

Location: San Rafael, CA
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: Hiking trails, horseback riding, bike friendly, bird watching, no dogs, wildlife observation

A 9 mile heavily trafficked loop near San Rafael in California, the China Camp Hiking Loop features hill climbs, switchbacks, as well as going through dense forests and meadows. However, the loop provides a picturesque view of the San Francisco Bay. The trail begins at the China Camp State Park, from the Shoreline Trail. The loop intersects/parallels with other trails, this includes the Bay View Trail, Oak Ridge Trail, and Shoreline Trail.

About China Camp State Park. China Camp State Park is a California state park that surrounds a historic Chinese American shrimp fishing village and salt marsh. The park is located on the shore of the San Pablo Bay in San Rafael. Established in 1976, the 1,500 acre park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Moreover, the park is also part of the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine. Prior Chinese settlement, the area was inhabited by indigenous Coast Miwok people. To date, the park boasts a wide variety of outdoor activity options, such as overnight camping, paddle boarding, biking, and hiking. The area also serves as a good picnic ground.

Top 3 Adventure Hacks

1) Be properly dressed. Get ready for adventure!

Foremost, it is important to know the nature of the trail prior the hike for you to be able to wear the appropriate outfit. Wear cotton or comfortable clothing during warm walks and hikes however avoid wearing it in the cold. Cotton keeps moisture close to the skin, making you cold.

2) Wear long pants for protection.

Trails may go through dense forests. Long pants not only protect your legs from ticks or poison oak but also from mosquitoes. Thick pants also prevent animal bites from penetrating your skin.

3) Wear appropriate footwear

Trail shoes are best for short and easy trailing but hiking boots is recommended for technical hikes. It pays to know the nature of the trail to be able to determine the right pair of shoes to wear for the hike.