TRAILHEAD INFORMATION

Highlights

Bay Point Regional Shoreline offers an accessible boat launch with access for kayakers, canoers, and stand up paddleboarders to experience the San Joaquin/Sacramento Rivers, Honker Bay, Suisun Marsh, and nearby islands. The area offers exceptional bird watching, views of historic sites along the river, and is a popular launch for fishing.

Boat Facilities

Boat launch facilities include an ADA accessible low-freeboard dock with boat berth. The boat launch is located on the J Channel, a slough that runs along the eastern edge of Bay Point Regional Shoreline. Paddlers can go north on the J Channel approximately 0.75 miles to reach the Sacramento/San Joaquin River and Little Honker Bay

The dock has water at all tides, though it can be very shallow at low tides. The boat launch is located approximately 1,000 feet from the parking area, so bringing a boat dolly is recommended.

Directions

Google Map Directions

Bay Point Regional Shoreline is located at the end of McAvoy Road in the city of Bay Point. From Highway 4, take the Willow Pass Road exit and head north.  Turn left onto Port Chicago Highway and follow for approximately .75 miles then take a right onto McAvoy Road, which terminates at the parking lot.

Parking

Bay Point has paved parking for approximately 20 vehicles, including two van ADA accessible spaces. Additional overflow parking is located along McAvoy Road. The parking lot is open between 5am and 10pm unless otherwise posted or permitted.

Restrooms

There are two ADA accessible restrooms with potable water located adjacent to the parking lot.

Amenities

Bay Point Regional Shoreline offers picnic and meadow areas, ADA restrooms, and a 1.1 mile loop trail. The Bay Point Restoration and Public Access Project was completed in December 2020. Park improvements included with the project include habitat restoration, addition of potable water, restroom upgrades, trail and accessibility improvements, the new boat launch, and interpretive panels & overlooks.

Accessibility

The 2020 site improvements included accessibility improvements to water access, parking, trails, restrooms, picnic tables, and path of travel. The new launch includes a gangway that is designed to meet ADA slopes at all tides.

Safety Tips

The J Channel provides a more sheltered paddling experience that may be suitable for less experienced boaters. Only experienced boaters should paddle on the Sacrament/San Joaquin Rivers due to strong currents, variable winds, and large commercial vessel traffic.

Mudflats occur within the J Channel at low tides and users need to be aware of tidal conditions to ensure they are able to launch and return to shore during higher tides Winds and currents on the San Joaquin River can be strong; paddlers need to take care to stay within their skill level.

There are several ship wrecks along the J Channel with sharp metal debris that could damage small crafts. Observing from a distance is recommended. The launch is approximately 0.75 miles from the entrance of Honker Bay. There are several locations nearby to land along the shoreline if needed, including private marinas.

Duck hunting occurs in nearby wetlands October to February. Outside the J Channel, small craft should be cautious and avoid the barges and other large ships that frequent the shipping lanes along the San Joaquin River. Cargo ships, motorized boats, and sailboats are regularly moving along the San Joaquin River, so small non-motorized boats need to take caution to avoid these vessels.

Wildlife Considerations

The Bay Point Regional Shoreline consists of 150 acres of marsh and upland at the waterfront of the Bay Point community. The site is at the approximate midpoint of the San Francisco Bay and Delta. Within the Regional Shoreline, 124 acres are designated for preservation and enhancement of habitat values. The site is contiguous with the existing tidal wetlands to the north, east and west thereby increasing the value of onsite wetland habitat. Many wading birds, including great blue herons, great egrets, snowy egrets, green herons and white-faced ibis, forage in the tidal sloughs and freshwater marshes near the launch. Please  watch from a distance and maintain an appropriate buffer from wildlife to avoid disturbance.

Trailhead Photos