Located on the pennisula, Portola Redwoods State Park features old growth and second growth redwoods. There are numerous creeks, even in late summer, and you'll see abundant ferns and shade loving plants along the trails.
You can pick up a map at the visitor center, and expect to pay $10 for parking.
The images below were from the Sequoia Nature Trail, Iverson Trail and the Coyote Ridge Trail.
Shell Ridge Open Space is a widely used area, where you'll often see people with dogs, group hikers, trail runners and bikers. In the video below, you'll see that this area has a fair share of benches in nice locations, so you'll have a chance to rest and enjoy some great views. There are no trail maps located at the staging area, but you can find a map on the Walnut Creek Open Space page.
Location: Staging area is at the end of Sutherland Drive in Walnut Creek. Small parking lot, but no bathrooms or water.
Trails Featured: Fossil Hill Trail, Briones/Mt. Diablo Trail, Ginder Gap Loop Trail, Ridge Top Trail
Video:
Route: Start at the staging area at the end of Sutherland Drive. Follow Fossil Hill Trail to your right. Take a right on to Briones/Mt. Diablo Trail. At .97 miles, you'll see a sign that shows Coral Spring Trail and Briones/Mt. Diablo trail. Keep left here, and don't continue on the Briones/Mt. Diablo Trail to your right. The trail map has this trail listed as Ginder Gap Loop Trail, so it's a bit confusing. At least there was a guide to show me the way:
Soon, you'll take a left on to Ridge Trail (1.18 miles), which offers great views of Walnut Creek. When you look at the trail map, you'll notice that the Ridge Trail splits and reconnects a few times with some side trails. Take what you prefer, and when you get to the Water Tower, don't go down the road. Go past the tower and reconnect with the Ridge Trail on the other side (2.1 miles).
At the bottom of the ridge trail, take the Briones/Mt. Diablo Trail again. You'll follow that until you get to an unmarked split at 2.62 miles. Take the split to the right, which is the Fossil Hill Trail. You'll pass some big rocks, nice oaks and a comfortable bench under an Oak tree. Your hike is almost over, so break here if you want to. Keep on the Fossil Hill Trail until you get back to the staging area. Depending on which Ridge Trail splits you take, you're overall mileage may vary. Don't forget to print out the map before you get there.
Early part of the Fossil Hill Trail
I like this bench at .71 miles
Full Photo Slideshow:
A ranger from East Bay Mud told me that this is one of the most popular hikes on their trail system. This is a beautiful loop hike that takes you through nice oak forests, open rolling hills and along a senic reservoir filled with all kinds of birds. The trail is wide in most places, and there are some nice benches along the way where you can stop, take a break and enjoy the scenery.
Trail Head:Valle Vista Staging area. Toilet available, no water.
Video Guide:
Highlights:
Start of the hike, parking area is on the left
Walk through a nice little pine forest before reaching the bridge
Lot's of these bird houses along the wayOne of my favorite sections of this hike, a beautiful Oak forest
Nice views of the reservoir along the wayTrail Sentry...cows are friendly though, but give them space
Near the end of the hike...staging area is in the top right of this picture
Full Photo Gallery:
Hayward Regional Shoreline is a beautiful place to hike, run, or bike. There are thousands of birds coming in and out, and you'll have an opportunity to watch them feed if you time it right. The best time to see them is at low tide. You can see a tide chart here. You may want to review this site to better understand the types of birds you will see. There is also an interpretive center located right at the shoreline. It's that brown shingled building you see as you drive by on Highway 92.
This video was taken on a rainy afternoon on January 13th, 2011.
Location: East Bay Mud North Watershed - Orinda
Trails Featured: Orinda Connector Trail, Orsan Trail, Old San Pablo Trail
Total Mileage: 3.31 Miles
Total Ascent/Descent: 940 Feet
Notes:
This hike was taken on May 17, 2011.
This is a nice out and back hike or run with limited elevation change and a beautiful canopy on most of the trail. There is a place to park just at the trail head, right off the intersection of Bear Creek Road and Camino Pablo. You'll see the trail, and you'll have to sign in and enter your EBMUD permit number and license plate number.
Starting out at the Orinda connector Trail, you'll see this:
At .22 Go straight on to the Orsan Trail. There are some beautiful old trees along the trail, with lots of bird activity. Also, much of the hike is along the San Pablo Reservoir, so you'll hear and see quite a few water birds.
At .57 Trail turns in to Old San Pablo Trail. On your right is an EBMUD maintenance site.
At 1.22 Cross the gravel road and continue
Nice Canopies throughout this hike
At 1.47 Cross Bridge
At 1.64 Old San Pablo Trail ends. At this point it turns in to Inspiration Trail. Turn around here.
On return, at 3.07, continue on to Orinda Connector Trail. Continue on until you're back to the start of your hike, at 3.31 miles.
Slideshow:
