Eagle Rock offers a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe. Until recently, the only way to get to the top of Eagle Rock was to climb up steep, random trails created by hikers. However, this past summer, the California Tahoe Conservancy spent $100,000 and enlisted volunteers to build a new, meandering trail up to the top. It's an easy climb, and when I visited, the trail was busy. You'll see a variety of trees, and shrub, including manzanita. The rock at the top is lava rock, and you'll find ample supplies to build little zen rock towers, if you're so inclined.
Location: Eagle Rock, Lake Tahoe
Route: From the parking area, follow the signs to the peak.
Mileage: 1 mile total, 250 feet climb up switchback trails
Difficulty Level: Easy
Description: Short, steep climb to a panoramic view spot on Lake Tahoe's western shore.
This video showcases the beauty of some of the trails at Portola Redwood State Park. Even in late summer, the streams were clear, and the vegetation was lush.
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.
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
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.
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.
