Summer ridgeline hike

It’s true—some of life’s greatest challenges reap the best rewards. Case in point: the epic panoramic views you’ll earn after this month’s 1,000-foot ascent to the tip of the San Pedro hills. Kick off summer with one of China Camp’s most challenging hikes and enjoy stunning views of the sparkling... Read more »

Give-back morning at China Camp

China Camp Ranger Station 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, United States

Enjoy a morning making a difference in the park. Our weekly maintenance days tackle a host of jobs large and small, so there’s something for everyone. You don’t need to be a weightlifter or a construction worker to help out, in fact we’ve got men and women of all shapes,... Read more »

Free

Summer solstice astronomy night

From a dazzling vantage point at one of China Camp Point’s bayside bluffs, you're invited to partake in our full moon summer solstice celebration. We will set up our telescope to get an up-close look at June’s “Strawberry Moon,” so called because it occurs during the height of berry season,... Read more »

Annual community meeting

Much has happened in the past year at China Camp State Park—updated park signs, electrical upgrades, safer access for people with disabilities, and a shiny new truck! Join us at our annual community meeting to learn about our successes and challenges over the past year, get a peek into the... Read more »

Secrets of our tidal wetlands

Summertime is go time in China Camp’s tidal wetlands. Plants grow lush and full; baby birds hatch; tiny fish thrive in the channels. Learn about this boom season on an informative walk following Turtle Back Nature Trail, offering some of the park’s best views of our ultra-productive and important “pickleweed... Read more »

Summer shorebirds walk

During this month's birding walk, we will scan the bay and marshland in search of shorebirds, including sandpipers, ducks, gulls, egrets, and majestic great blue herons. Among the most challenging species to identify are newly-fledged gulls. These newbies are undergoing a remarkable four-year transformation, with the color of their plumage... Read more »

Give-back morning at China Camp

China Camp Ranger Station 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, United States

Enjoy a morning making a difference in the park. Our weekly maintenance days tackle a host of jobs large and small, so there’s something for everyone. You don’t need to be a weightlifter or a construction worker to help out, in fact we’ve got men and women of all shapes,... Read more »

Free

Book Club: The Backyard Bird Chronicles

During June’s Naturalist Book Club, we will discuss The Backyard Bird Chronicles by critically acclaimed local author, Amy Tan, who also shows off her impressive illustration skills in this memorable book. Excerpt from the publisher’s website: “Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us, The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage... Read more »

Give-back morning at China Camp

China Camp Ranger Station 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, United States

Enjoy a morning making a difference in the park. Our weekly maintenance days tackle a host of jobs large and small, so there’s something for everyone. You don’t need to be a weightlifter or a construction worker to help out, in fact we’ve got men and women of all shapes,... Read more »

Free

Give-back morning at China Camp

China Camp Ranger Station 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, United States

Enjoy a morning making a difference in the park. Our weekly maintenance days tackle a host of jobs large and small, so there’s something for everyone. You don’t need to be a weightlifter or a construction worker to help out, in fact we’ve got men and women of all shapes,... Read more »

Free

Birding Walk

A flock of sanderlings shimmers across the water. Marbled godwits poke their long beaks into the mud. Snowy plovers and Western sandpipers scurry in ragged rows along the shoreline. July is peak time for shorebirds at China Camp, and bird expert Jerry Coe will help you catch all the action... Read more »

Junior Ranger Program: Animal Olympics

The Summer Olympics have arrived at China Camp — Squirrels take the lead in arboreal gymnastics, grasshoppers beat out the competition at the grassland long jump, cormorants get a 10 out of 10 at the high dive, and woodpeckers nab acorns and dodge interceptions at forest rugby.  Who’ll come out... Read more »