The best walks and hikes in Rush Creek Open Space Preserve
4.6
(20)
326
hikers
40
hikes
Hikes in Rush Creek Open Space Preserve explore a 522-acre landscape of tidal wetlands, oak woodlands, and rolling hills in northern Novato. The preserve is characterized by its extensive marshlands along the Petaluma River delta, which provide a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Most routes follow wide, level fire roads and multi-use trails, making the area accessible for different fitness levels.
Best hiking trails in Rush Creek Open Space Preserve
- The most popular hiking route is Rush Creekβ¦
Last updated: May 12, 2026
1.77km
00:27
10m
10m
Hike the easy 101 Trail in Rush Creek Open Space Preserve, a 1.1-mile route with 29 feet of elevation gain, taking about 27 minutes.
4.0
(1)
11
hikers
12.8km
03:26
150m
150m
Hike the moderate 8.0-mile Bahia and Rush Creek Loop in Novato, California, through marshlands, oak woodlands, and rolling hills.
Sign up for free
4.0
(1)
17
hikers
9.59km
02:33
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
hikers
5.74km
01:29
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.15km
00:18
10m
10m
Hike the Old Town Novato and SMART Pathway Loop, an easy 0.7-mile route combining urban charm with a paved multi-use path.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
This museum is housed in the historic Novato's postmaster's house circa 1850. It contains rotating and permanent exhibitions that cover everything from 19th-century daily life to social history in Novato. It is open by appointment only; admission is free, and it is close to the Hamilton Field History Museum and the Marin Museum of the American Indian if you want to plan a mini-museum adventure!
0
0
This trail runs along the edge of the Petaluma River wetlands and is a popular multi-use trail, so keep an eye out for others on the trail. The wetlands are an important area for wildlife, and are currently undergoing habitat restoration to improve conditions for native plants & animals.
0
0
The position of this vintage 1960s station wagon at the remote and roadless northern side of the Bahia is a fascinating mystery that can motivate creative story telling. The most plausible explanation might be that it was driven to the top of Bahia ridge when the preserve was still a mostly grass-covered ranchland, and somehow rolled down the hill and crashed. The trees that grew around it after grazing ended seem to be lifting the wreck up as they grow and grab the metal in various places with their bark.
1
0
My coffee stop on this ride is - Dr. Insomniac's Fine Coffee
0
0
Great spots for a refueling break, lots of restaurants with outdoor seating, some historic buildings.
1
0
East access into the Preserve. The trails are fine hard-packed gravel, smooth riding even with skinny tires. Or just take a look from here
0
0
Paved trail entering the preserve parallel to Atherton Ave
0
0
Scenic winding trail along the wetlands
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Rush Creek Open Space Preserve?
Yes, dogs are welcome in Rush Creek Open Space Preserve but must be kept on a leash. The wide, level fire roads and multi-use trails are well-suited for walking with your canine companion.
Where can I park to access the trails?
There are several trailheads with parking options. Popular starting points include the Rush Creek Trailhead on Binford Road and another access point on Bugeia Lane. Parking is also available in the surrounding Bahia neighborhood for access to the Bahia Trail.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the preserve?
Absolutely. The preserve is known for its gentle terrain. Many of the 19 easy-rated trails are suitable for families. For a very short and flat walk, the Old Town Novato loop is just over a kilometer long. The trails skirting the wetlands are also predominantly flat and offer an engaging experience for all ages.
What is the best time of year to visit Rush Creek?
Each season offers a unique experience. Spring is fantastic for wildflowers like shooting star and snowberry. Fall and winter are prime birdwatching seasons, as thousands of ducks and other waterfowl migrate to the marshes. Summer can be warm, so it's best to hike in the morning or evening.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
Rush Creek is a haven for wildlife, especially birds. It's considered a premier birding location where you can spot ducks, geese, sandpipers, and raptors like red-shouldered hawks. It's also common to see deer, and you might find coyote tracks near the water.
Which trail is best for birdwatching?
Any trail that runs alongside the Rush Creek Marsh and the Petaluma River delta offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. The Bahia Trail loop from Novato San Marin provides expansive, open views across the wetlands, making it a great choice for spotting water birds.
Are the trails suitable for a jogging stroller?
Yes, many of the main trails, such as the Pinheiro Fire Road and other multi-use paths, are wide, level, and well-maintained, making them suitable for a sturdy off-road jogging stroller. The terrain is generally gentle, especially on routes that follow the edge of the marsh.
How many hiking trails are in Rush Creek Open Space Preserve?
You can explore over 30 different hiking routes within the preserve. These range from short, easy walks to longer, more moderate loops, with the majority being classified as easy or moderate.
What do other hikers think of the trails in the preserve?
The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the preserve for its peaceful atmosphere, easy-to-follow flat trails, and excellent opportunities for wildlife and bird spotting.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, the preserve has several excellent loop hikes. A popular longer option is the Rush Creek Preserve loop, which combines several fire roads for a comprehensive tour of the area. Many shorter, unofficial loops are also possible by connecting different trails.
What is the terrain like on the trails?
The hiking is characterized by predominantly flat, wide fire roads and multi-use trails. You'll walk through a mix of shady oak woodlands and open paths that run along the edge of the tidal marshlands, offering expansive views. The elevation gain on most routes is minimal.
Are there any shorter hikes in the area?
Yes, there are plenty of shorter options. For a nice walk in an adjacent area, the Deer Island Loop is a gentle 1.9-mile (3.1 km) trail that takes less than an hour to complete.
Most popular routes in Rush Creek Open Space Preserve
Most popular attractions in Rush Creek Open Space Preserve
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
