East Bay Parks & Hikes

Location: Albany, just north of Berkeley.

The Albany Bulb -- located just west of I-80 -- is a strange and beautiful mix of industrial artifacts, beaches, and natural wildlife habitat.

Location: Off Hegenberger Road and 880 freeway in Oakland, near Oakland International Airport.

Arrowhead Marsh is a prime bird watching spot in the East Bay. The surrounding area has paved paths for walking and biking, as well as a boat launch and picnic tables.

Location: Just north of the Dumbarton, on the east side of San Francisco Bay

Coyote Hills provides a variety of terrain and trails, from the hills with panoramic views across San Francisco Bay and the Dumbarton Bridge, to the lower wetlands areas with boardwalks, which are home to many bird species during the migration months in fall and winter.

Location: Tilden Park in Berkeley, adjacent to the Tilden Park Nature Center.

Jewel Lake is a family-friendly trek that takes you around the small lake and near Tilden's Little Farm. The trail is not stroller friendly (some narrow parts and tree roots) but there are alternative walks in the area, from the Tilden Nature Center.

Location: Lake Merritt Neighborhood, adjacent to downtown Oakland.

Lake Merritt is the oldest wildlife refuge in the United States. It also has a three mile path around the perimeter of the lake, popular with walkers, runners and families with children.

Location: Hayward, on the east side of the San Mateo Bridge.

Hayward Shoreline is a popular place for bird watching. In the 1600 acres of marshlands and along five acres of walking and biking trails, you can navigate a variety of protected marsh habitats and take advantage of nature programs at the Interpretive Center.

Location: In Richmond, Califronia - near the 580/80 highway split

The Point Isabel area is both a huge dog park (complete with doggy wash and cafe), as well as a wetlands and nature preserve which is home to numerous wildlife species.

Location: Fremont, on the east side of the Dumbarton Bridge.

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a huge network of protected wilderness and wetlands. The Tidelands Trail is an easy introduction to the terrain around the Don Edwards Visitor Center in Fremont.

Location: In Tilden Park, starting at Little Farm

See Map of Tilden Park

The Wildcat Peak Trail is a climb to some view points in Tilden Park. Because the trail isn't shaded through much of the walk, it's a hike done best on cooler days. But the views from the top are well worth the hike up. (The same view points can be accessed from Inspiration Point in Tilden, indicated on the map above).