2301 University Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660

It’s the middle of summer and it’s hot (August 2024) during the afternoon, but I really want to take a hike without having to wake up super early in the morning. Another option is to head to the mountains but even at 5,000 feet above sea level, it can get up to the mid 90s. Another suggestion is the beach but sometimes the sand and large crowds are something I avoid so I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to visit the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve in Newport Beach which is located near the coast but not on the beach.

This preserve has a museum called the Muth Interpretive Center opened from 10am-4pm, Tuesday through Sunday. At the center, there is information about the preserve which is actually a convergence between wetlands including saltwater, freshwater, estuarine marshes, vernal pools, and riparian habitats.

You will also learn about some of the wildlife that visit the bay including the endangered Ridgeway’s Rail bird which builds its nest floating on the water. You can also pick up brochures which highlight the wildlife, birds, flora, and map with the trails of the preserve. Although the display seemed basic and geared towards children, I felt that I learned a lot from the display information.

Estuaries are important to the ecosystem as they help filter the water as well as serve as a habitat for wildlife. I had a better understanding of the relationship of the wetland habitats and wildlife in this bay area.

After getting some background information on the preserve, we took a walk on the established dirt trails. Keeping in mind that it was August and most of the fauna has dried, you may still see some late bloomers such as buckwheat, cactus, and a few remaining native California sunflowers.

The scrubland by the bay waters is a deep green which is a welcoming sight as California pushes its browns and tans of the summer.

I was delighted to see the many wildlife living and thriving in the area such as the many birds and birdsongs. A highlight are the swallows who have found a comfortable spot building nests around the interpretive Center. What a wonderful way to observe the swallows.

Other wildlife include ground chipmunks, cottontail rabbits, and a road runner. The road runner was a real surprise as I rarely see one, even in the desert–I didn’t expect to see one so close to water. The underbrush of the coastal sage scrub bush provide an excellent habitat for these critters.

It was a nice 78 degrees in August at the Newport Bay area with fairly intense sun and a welcoming breeze. Apply your sunscreen, bring a hat and sunglasses and a bottle of water, and you will have a comfortable time having a walk in the middle of summer during the afternoon. It is also considered part of the OC Parks system so you may visit from 7 a.m. to sunset and there is no cost for admission or parking.

Website: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve