LAKE CHABOT'S QUIET SIDE

LAKE CHABOT'S QUIET SIDE

Hike Date:  Saturday, August 29, 2026

Coleaders:  Sam Kaufman

Leader email:  geogrman@yahoo.com

Leader phone:  510.599.4056

SF Meeting Location Whole Foods @ 2001 Market St. Meet on the Dolores St. side. (There's parking on the street or below the building.m)

SF Meeting Time:  9:25 AM (departure shortly thereafter)

NOTE: Please only show up at Whole Foods if you have arranged for a ride ahead of time.

East Bay Meeting Location: Rockridge BART station. Meet at the bottom of the escalators. (There's free and ample parking)

East Bay Meeting Time:  9:35 AM (departure shortly thereafter)

NOTE: Please only show up at Rockridge BART if you have arranged for a ride ahead of time.

Rating: Level 3.5

Mileage: 9.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 1400'

Description: Starting on the north side of Lake Chabot,we'll take the very scenic, and mostly shaded Cascade and Columbine trails, along a deeply wooded canyon and beside a stream. There are few hikers in this part of the regional park. The Columbine trail continues on the east side of Lake Chabot, from which we'll catch glimpses of the lake. We'll eventually merge into the Honker Bay trail (yes, there will be ducks), and walk along the lake on a reed-filled shoreline. Just before lunch, we ascend Hucks Trail, skirting a campground and finding the amphitheater where we enjoy a comfy lunch. Afterwards, we'll take the Towhee and Quail trails back down to the Columbine trail, and finish the "balloon" hike along it's very picturesque "string." There are uphill and downhill portions, but only a few steep sections. Note there is plenty of poison oak and other sticky plants on the side of the trails. 

Bring/Wear: Please bring water, lunch, hat and sunscreen for the sunny portions (40% of the hike). Poles are helpful for the several downhill sections.

Rain Policy: Cancelled in the event of rain. 

Dogs: Dogs ARE ALLOWED on the hike.

Trailhead Meeting Place: Clyde Woolridge Staging Area. Take I-580 East to Keller Ave (exit 27B) and turn left  to cross the freeway. Continue up the hill 1.7 miles until you get to Skyline Blvd and turn right. Follow Follow Skyline a few minutes until it turns into Grass Valley Rd. The staging area is in front of you and on the left of Skyline. If the lot is full, find space off the side of Skyline. Google Maps link. 

Trailhead Meeting Time: 10:00 AM

Trailhead Departure Time: 10:15 AM

Round Trip driving mileage: 42 miles from Whole Foods; 24 miles from Rockridge BART.

Passenger Carpool Fees: $7 (SF); $3 (Rockridge BART)