Читать книгу Afoot & Afield: Orange County. A Comprehensive Hiking Guide онлайн

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At 0.9 mile, pass the Wintersburg Channel, and then walk up to a scenic viewpoint on the lip of a nearby mesalike terrace. Gabrieleno Indians contemplated a lonely scene here centuries ago. They beheld a broad, shallow bay extending well inland, rimmed by saltwater and freshwater marshes as far as the eye could see. Later, two 155-millimeter guns were mounted here to defend Southern California’s coastline during World War II.

From this viewpoint, you can add an optional 0.8-mile loop northwest to visit the Bolsa Pocket Wetlands. The Pocket Loop Trail begins along the ridge but soon splits. Make a counterclockwise loop, dropping down along the edge of the wetlands for more birding opportunities. Come back up on the ridge for views of Catalina Island beyond the oil platforms in the channel. Listen for birds nesting in the eucalyptus trees nearby.

Bolsa Chica

Whether you take the pocket wetlands loop or not, the most expedient way to return is to head south across the levee and follow a mostly paved path back along the side of the Pacific Coast Highway. You can enjoy another set of views of the birds from this path. However, you’ll have to endure the highway noise, so some people will prefer to retrace their steps along the quieter route by which you came.