Home › California › Novato › Rush Creek Preserve
Rush Creek Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · Running trail in Novato, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Rush Creek Preserve yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Rush Creek Preserve
“Easy, flat, meandering fire-road like trail with beautiful views, open space and water.”
Easy, flat, meandering fire-road like trail with beautiful views, open space and water. Great for a long stroll or quick and easy bike ride. Dog friendly.
This is the perfect place to stop for a hike on your way north on hwy 101. I prefer hiking the western side of the preserve which are hilly. There are beautiful live oaks with shaded trails. It felt like I was the only one there (except for a wild Turkey!) hiking thru beautiful spring grass.
A great mountain bike ride (or hike) that's not too strenuous but plenty of small terrain elevation to make it fun. Years ago we started at the trailhead alongside Highway 101, now we drive down Atherton and turn on Bugeia Lane (which turns into Bahia Drive). Park at the trail head and take the Bahia Loop trail.
Nice hiking trails that are relatively flat. There's moderate shade but the area is mostly exposed. I'd recommend early morning or late evening hikes here on hot days.
Trail conditions & character
“Easy, flat, meandering fire-road like trail with beautiful views, open space and water.”
“Nice walk thru the woods, some minor hills and strolls near the bay, the walk in from Atherton is very sunny so be ready.”
“Easy, flat, meandering fire-road like trail with beautiful views, open space and water.”
“Years ago we started at the trailhead alongside Highway 101, now we drive down Atherton and turn on Bugeia Lane (which turns into Bahia Drive).”
Plan your run at Rush Creek Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitemarincountyparks.org
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Miwok Park
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