Nestled in the center of busy streets, multi-million dollar homes and shopping malls is a small body of water that is teaming with life: the Newport Back Bay. The reserve encompasses the inland delta that connects the Upper Newport Bay and Newport Harbor.
Upper Newport Bay—known locally as “The Back Bay”—is a vast coastal wetland in Southern California and a crucial stopover for countless bird species. Visitors can spot dozens of birds here, including several endangered varieties. The Preserve is a place that is a scenic way to view the Newport Bay and Newport Dunes away from the hustle and bustle of the Newport beach side resorts.
Shaped by the Santa Ana River and formed during the Pleistocene Epoch, sedimentary deposits on an ancient marine terrace have revealed fossils of mammoths, bison, and giant sloths. Until 1862, Newport Bay flowed directly into the Pacific Ocean. The bay’s earliest human residents lived there around 9,000 years ago, and about 2,000 years ago, the Gabrielino Indians thrived here, sustaining themselves on the bay’s fish and plants.
In 1975, the state acquired the land to include it in the Fish and Game Department’s Ecological Reserve System. A decade later, in 1985, the upper west bluffs and surrounding areas of the bay were incorporated into a county regional park.
This estuary was once on the brink of extinction as developers sought to gain access to it. Thanks to the efforts of several organizations and committed individuals, the area was transformed into protected land, ultimately becoming a thriving oasis for wildlife and an ideal sanctuary for nature enthusiasts.
When visiting the Back Bay, you’ll find several trail options and routes to explore. The hiking trails at the Preserve are well maintained by OC Parks and offer excellent conditions for a great walk. Thanks to the refreshing sea breezes, this treeless trail is one of the few in Southern California you can comfortably hike during the summer. However, the lack of trees means limited shade, so be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen.
The only spot where I found substantial shade was beneath this bridge. But sitting there alone gave me an uneasy feeling. After some research, I discovered the area has a history as a hotspot for body dumps over the years.
It’s surprising to find a thriving nature preserve so close to Irvine’s bustling business district and John Wayne Airport. Yet, the Back Bay teems with life and draws bikers, runners, stand-up paddleboarders, and hikers alike!
The Newport Back Bay is a gem of central Orange County.
Wander Woman 