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Lake Chabot Regional Park: A Natural Escape in the East Bay

Discover outdoor adventures at Lake Chabot Regional Park: hiking, fishing, boating, and scenic trails in a historic East Bay setting.

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Lake Chabot Regional Park, nestled in the southern Berkeley Hills, offers a 315-acre lake and surrounding parkland for outdoor activities. Originally a water source for the East Bay, it now serves as a recreational haven with hiking, fishing, boating, and picnicking opportunities amidst redwood trees and diverse wildlife.

A brief summary to Lake Chabot Regional Park

  • Monday 6 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-7 pm
  • Friday 6 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Parking costs $5 per vehicle, but you can park for free along Lake Chabot Road and walk in.
  • Bring your own kayak or canoe and launch it for a small fee.
  • Visit the Lake Chabot Marina & Café for snacks, meals, bait, and fishing licenses.
  • Check the East Bay Regional Park District website for alerts on blue-green algae, which may affect water activities.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From I-580 in Castro Valley, take the Strobridge Avenue exit if westbound, or the Redwood Road exit if eastbound. Follow the signs to Lake Chabot Road. From I-580 in San Leandro, exit at Fairmont Drive and head east. The park entrance is on Lake Chabot Road. Parking is $5 per vehicle. Limited free parking is available on Lake Chabot Road with a short walk to the park entrance.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines serve the vicinity of Lake Chabot. From the Castro Valley BART station, AC Transit lines 28 and 40 can get you closer to the park. Check the 511.org website for the most up-to-date schedules and connections. A short walk from the bus stop will be required to reach the park entrance. A single ride on AC Transit costs $2.50.

Unlock the Best of Lake Chabot Regional Park

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Discover more about Lake Chabot Regional Park

Lake Chabot Regional Park is a popular destination in the East Bay, offering a diverse range of outdoor activities and natural beauty. The park's centerpiece is the 315-acre Lake Chabot, originally built in 1874-75 as a primary water source for the East Bay. For 91 years, recreational use was prohibited, but in 1966, the park opened to the public, offering a space for controlled recreational activities. Today, the lake serves as a standby emergency water supply, and visitors are asked to observe regulations to keep the waters pure. The park boasts over 20 miles of hiking trails, connecting to an additional 70 miles of trails in the adjacent Anthony Chabot Regional Park. These trails wind through redwood forests and offer scenic views of the lake and surrounding hills. The paved West Shore and East Shore trails provide accessible routes for walking, while other trails like the Live Oak and Honker Bay trails form a 12.4 to 14.4-mile bicycle loop. Lake Chabot is well-stocked with trout and catfish, making it a popular fishing destination. Fishing piers are located around the lake, and the Lake Chabot Marina & Café offers bait, tackle, and fishing licenses. Boating is another popular activity, with rental boats available at the marina, including rowboats, pedal boats, kayaks, and electric motor boats. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, with several picnic areas located near the parking and marina area. Beyond the recreational opportunities, Lake Chabot Regional Park also has a rich history. The park is named after Anthony Chabot, a pioneering businessman and philanthropist who built the dam that created the lake. Visitors can explore the Lake Chabot History Walk, a one-mile loop with interpretive panels detailing the area's history.

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