Back Bay Loop
History
The steep cliffs of the Upper Newport Bay were formed nearly 15 million years ago. The Bay itself, which once flowed to the Pacific Ocean, was sculpted by the Santa Ana River during the glacial period 5,000 to 2 million years ago. Fossils of mammoth, bison and giant sloths have been discovered in sedimentary deposits, and it is believed that the Bay has been inhabited by humans for nearly 10,000 years.
Today, Upper Newport Bay is a haven with national significance for naturalists, environmentalists and recreationalists.
Wildlife and Natural Communities
In 2000, the bluffs on the north and north-west sides were dedicated as the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and include approximately 140 acres of open space which surround the 750-acre Ecological Reserve. Upper Newport Bay is one of the largest coastal wetlands in Southern California and is considered one of the few remaining "critical" estuaries - where fresh and salt water meet.
There are six primary habitats in the Upper Newport Bay that support a variety of plants, birds, animals and marine life. They include Open Water, Mudflat, Saltmarsh, Freshwater Marsh, Riparian, and Upland. The Bay is also home to endangered plant species, such as the Saltmarsh Bird's Beak.
The Bay is home to nearly 200 species of birds, and is an important stop-over during winter migration, where more than 35,000 birds use the Bay during the winter months. Six rare or endangered species nest in the area, including the Light Footed Clapper Rail, Brown Pelican, Belding's Savannah Sparrow, Black Rail, Peregrine Falcon and California Least Tern.
Enjoying The Back Bay Loop Trail
The Upper Newport Bay is easily accessible from all over Orange County, due to its close proximity to the 73 Freeway and Pacific Coast Highway. Every year, more than one million people visit the Upper Newport Bay. Birders, joggers, bicyclists, hikers, kayakers, horseback riders, educators, outdoor enthusiasts, and others enjoy the Back Bay's natural beauty and variety of activities.
Outdoor enthusiasts can walk, run or ride the Back Bay Loop Trail around Upper Newport Bay. The 10 ½ mile trail has multiple entry points along the loop, with opportunities for scenic stops and visits to local educational facilities along the way.
Path markers and signage guide the way around the loop. If you were to start at the new science center on Shellmaker Island, the trail loops southwest past Newport Dunes, across the Bay, up to Upper Castaways Park, and along Dover Drive to Mariners Park. It then joins with Irvine Ave. traveling to the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. After dropping down along the West Bay, the trail crosses over the Back Bay along the path adjacent to Jamboree Road and turns south up Eastbluff Drive to join again with the lower trail loop at Back Bay Drive on the east side of the Bay.
If you want a longer ride, the trail links at Eastbluff Drive with the 22-mile Mountains to Sea Trail, which runs from Upper Newport Bay north through Irvine along the San Diego Creek Channel. The trail eventually winds past Peters Canyon Reservoir and into the rugged mountains of Weir Canyon north of Irvine Regional Park.
The Back Bay Trail will provide connections to a variety of locations to enjoy the view or learn about the natural history of Upper Newport Bay, including:
- Back Bay Science Center at Shellmaker Island
- Newport Aquatic Center
- Upper Castaways Park
- Environmental Nature Center
- Mariners Park & Library
- Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
- Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center
- Bayview Park
- Big Canyon informational center
Whether you want a leisurely stroll or an intense workout, the Back Bay Loop Trail provides a host of outdoor opportunities.