Two East Bay Hikes Offer Lake Views and Solitude
Two East Bay trails are being highlighted for weekend outings. The West Shore to Goldenrod-Cascade Trail loop at Lake Chabot Regional Park offers a moderate-to-strenuous hike with lake views, while the York Trail at Leona Heights Park provides a quieter, less-crowded alternative in a lush setting.
Lake Chabot was originally constructed between 1874 and 1875 as a primary water source for the East Bay. Known then as the San Leandro Reservoir, it was built by the Contra Costa Water Company, which was owned by Anthony Chabot, a pioneer of hydraulic mining techniques. For 91 years, the lake was closed to recreational activities until legislation in the 1960s opened it for public use. Today, Lake Chabot serves as a standby emergency water supply. The park surrounding the 317-acre lake offers over 20 miles of hiking trails, along with fishing, boating, and picnicking. A notable feature is the 9.6-mile loop trail that encircles the lake, offering a mix of paved paths and backcountry trails with about 1,030 feet of climbing. The construction of the dam was a significant undertaking that relied heavily on the labor of an estimated 800 Chinese immigrants. These workers undertook the dangerous task of digging and dynamiting tunnels. In 1889, a dynamite explosion killed four Chinese workers: Lock Sing, Toy Sing, Ah Bing, and Kim Yuen. A memorial to them can be found along the Lake Chabot Historical walk. Leona Heights Park, operated by the City of Oakland, provides a more secluded hiking experience. The main route, the York Trail, follows Horseshoe Creek through groves of second-growth redwoods. As the trail ascends, the landscape transitions to an oak woodland with bay trees and wildflowers. The York Trail connects the lower park entrance on Mountain Boulevard to the upper section near Merritt College. From the upper portions of the trail and an old abandoned parking lot, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of Oakland and the San Francisco Bay. The trail is rugged and steep in sections, with some parts prone to erosion. Historically, the area around Leona Heights was known for the Leona Heights Sulfur Mine and industrial activity, including redwood lumbering. The park also features a rare albino redwood tree. Due to a trail washout in January 2023, hikers should check for the latest conditions and trail access points.
