Bay Area trail conditions
After an unusually warm, dry March, the Bay Area is forecast to get rain that should break the dry spell but will likely make trails slippery short‑term — daytime highs mid‑60s to low‑80s and overnight lows mid‑40s to low‑50s are expected ( ).
NWS forecast discussion shows precipitable water values of 0.8–0.9 inches over the North Bay ahead of the approaching trough, a profile that can support pockets of moderate rainfall and localized runoff. (weather.gov ) Local outlets place the system over the Bay Area on Tuesday–Wednesday next week (March 31–April 1, 2026), driven by a low‑pressure shortwave moving south from the Pacific Northwest. (mercurynews.com ) The NWS discussion also notes the shallow front will weaken as it moves south of the Golden Gate, a pattern that limits the likelihood of widespread heavy totals but can concentrate showers north of the Golden Gate. (weather.gov ) Samuel P. Taylor State Park has a seasonal closure in place for Bill’s Trail (typically November–April) to prevent sediment runoff and protect salmon habitat, reducing one coastal option for post‑storm hikes. (parks.ca.gov ) East Bay Regional Park District lists active alerts and the San Francisco Bay Trail at Hayward Regional Shoreline is under a temporary repair closure that began March 2, affecting access and detour options near Oro Loma Marsh. (ebparks.org ) (ebparks.org ) Point Reyes and other NPS units warn that creek crossings and small drainages can swell and become impassable after heavy rain—creek crossings have been observed to rise several feet and force trail closures in prior wet periods. (nps.gov ) (nps.gov ) San Francisco has recorded just 0.06 inches of rain through March 25, 2026, making this the second‑driest March on record at the downtown station and leaving much of the region well below normal for March totals. (yahoo.com )
