En-route camping along Carquinez Strait / SF Bay Trail

Hike the 6.7-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail: Vallejo-Benicia Waterfront West for moderate hiking and scenic Carquinez Strait views.

Embark on the Carquinez Strait and Mike Taugher Trail Loop, an easy hiking route that offers continuous views of the Carquinez Strait. As you walk, you'll see where the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers converge before flowing into San Francisco Bay, with both the Benicia-Martinez and Carquinez bridges visible in the distance. This pleasant 3.1-mile (5.1 km) loop involves a gentle elevation gain of 133 feet (41 metres) and typically takes around 1 hour and 19 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the Mike Taugher Trail is paved and generally accessible for all hikers. You can usually find parking available at the trailheads located within the Benicia State Recreation Area. Be prepared for the possibility of occasional fog and brisk breezes, especially when you are walking along the waterfront sections of the trail.

This route is a notable part of the larger San Francisco Bay Trail network, providing opportunities for extended exploration if you wish to continue your adventure. The landscape along the trail transitions from open waterfronts to tidal marsh wetlands, creating a diverse habitat that attracts various bird species, such as herons and egrets, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching.