Avoid the busier China Camp trails by hiking the eastern end of the park, under trees and open skies, with views of San Pablo Bay.
Location: China Camp State Park
Length: 3.2 miles
Difficulty: easy
Shade: partially shaded
Parking: street parking on Partridge Drive off Biscayne Drive (free, but trail pass $3/person, pay station at ranger station)
Public Transportation: n/a
WC: toilets at Bullhead Flat near the ranger station, half a mile into the hike
Dogs: not allowed on trails, only in developed areas
Hiked: Feb 2021
Our Trail Route
We parked on Partridge Drive in Peacock Gap. The first section of trail was uphill, but it quickly flattened out. We continued straight to Shoreline Trail, and the trail began to descend gradually. When we hit Shoreline, we turned right towards the East Boundary. We passed the ranger station and crossed a road once. We followed the trail until the big sign at the end, then turned around and went back the same way.
Notes
Shoreline Trail on this end seems much less popular than the parts near Miwok Meadows and the campground. The trail is a bit rough in some places, with a lot of small stones, which probably makes it difficult for bikers. So it was pretty peaceful and pleasant overall, if not very exciting. We did see a turkey vulture devouring an animal carcass, as well as a deer.
Gallery
The trailhead on Partridge Drive. 
A short uphill at the start. 
Then you enter the park. 
Oak Ridge Trail joins Peacock Gap Trail, but we ignored that and went straight. 
Peacock Gap Trail 
We turned to the right when we met Shoreline Trail. 
Shoreline Trail 
Past the Ranger Station 
Cross the street to stay on Shoreline. 
Shoreline Trail 
Shoreline Trail 
A view of China Camp Point and Rat Rock Island 
We went right here to stay on Shoreline, but the left fork leads to China Camp Village. 
A bench along Shoreline Trail 
Shoreline Trail 
The East Boundary, where we turned around. 
Shoreline Trail, heading back. 
I startled this deer while trying to photograph the white wildflowers, so I snapped a picture and retreated pretty quickly. 
Shoreline Trail
