TRAILHEAD INFORMATION

Highlights

Cuttings Wharf is a boat launch that provides a scenic launching point for exploration of Napa River and Napa-Sonoma Marshes. This rural location on the Napa River is popular for kayaking and fishing.

Boat Facilities

Boat launch facilities consist of a wide boat ramp with two high-freeboard docks.  The docks extend into the river and then turn at right angles to parallel the shore.

Directions

From Highway 12, turn onto Cuttings Wharf Road. The boat launch is located approximately 2.5 miles down the road.

Parking

Parking is available in the large lot associated with Cuttings Wharf. Ample parking is typically available on all but the busiest days. Parking is free from 4AM – 10PM. No overnight parking is allowed.

Restrooms

There are two restrooms located in the southwest portion of the parking lot. The restrooms are unisex and ADA accessible, but do not have running water.

Amenities

In addition to the boat launch facilities, Cuttings Wharf contains three picnic tables, one of which is covered with a gazebo. Trash cans and recycling bins are provided at the picnic area and outside of the restrooms. The north dock is popular for fishing.

Accessibility

Cuttings Wharf provides ADA accessible restrooms, parking, and picnic area. Access at this site appears to be quite good, although the only options for water entry are from the boat ramp or high-freeboard boarding dock. The path of travel (not marked), sidewalks, restroom, and parking appear to be well designed and maintained.

Safety Tips

Hunting is allowed within the portions of the Napa-Sonoma Marshes seasonally (generally October – January). See the Department of Fish and Wildlife website for current information.

Wildlife Considerations

High quality marsh habitat exists along the Napa River and adjacent sloughs north and south of the boat launch, which supports the endangered Ridgway’s rail and salt marsh harvest mouse. Do not land in the marshes and do not disturb Ridgway’s rails by entering narrow channels during high tides. Getting close to birds during nesting season can scare birds off their nest which can lead to the death of chicks.

The Water Trail recommends boaters maintain a buffer distance of 650 feet from nesting colonies of birds, 50 feet from Ridgway’s rail habitat and 820 feet from large groups of floating waterbirds. To help you visualize what these distances mean, 100 feet is approximately the distance of six sea kayaks.

Trailhead Photos