San Leandro

Every morning the light changes the mood of Lake Chabot. Every day new discoveries unfold as you make your way around the lake.

After sheltering in place for over two months, you may be ready for that 4-hour hike. Or just an hour hike? Entering the park from Estudillo Dr off the I 580, the walk all the way around Lake Chabot is 9 miles. Trekking to Bass Cove and back is only 3. To tour the whole lake, be sure to pack in a lunch or power bars with lots of water.  You will be amazed by the stunning vistas along the path – views of the lake through an artist’s eyes. Lush green oaks, manzanita, cedar, pines and eucalyptus are painted with wildflower displays such as the Shortstem Morning Glory and Baby Blue Eyes. Here is their plant identification guide to get you started.and their Lake Chabot Califlora guide.

Built in 1874 as the primary source of water for the East Bay Lake Chabot reservoir still serves as a standby emergency water resource today.  A historical tour of the lake starts at the beginning of the trail  as it moves to the marina. The lake is over 300 acres and is stocked with trout and catfish, along with bass and other fish. Talk to the fishermen to hear their ‘stories’. At Bass Cove one caught a two-foot long trout last weekend and grilled it. He said it tasted like salmon and even his children loved it.  He came back for more. So maybe, take your fishing pole and a fold-up chair? But be sure to stay 6’ apart from others who are fishing.

Dogs on leash and 6’ apart with their human companions on the trail and everyone, including Ginger, will be happy. And don’t forget you can always take the path less traveled. Enjoy!

Park map

Trail guide