Site of Blossom Rock Navigation Trees: A Maritime Legacy
Discover Oakland's maritime history at the Site of Blossom Rock Navigation Trees, where towering redwoods once guided ships through the treacherous San Francisco Bay.
The Site of Blossom Rock Navigation Trees, nestled within Oakland's Roberts Regional Recreation Area, marks a poignant chapter in San Francisco Bay's maritime history. Once towering redwood trees, these natural giants served as crucial navigational aids for mariners navigating the treacherous Blossom Rock, a submerged hazard in the bay. In the 19th century, sailors aligned these conspicuous trees with Yerba Buena Island to safely navigate the channel. Though the original trees were logged in the mid-1800s, sprouts from their stumps remain, bearing witness to a bygone era of seafaring and the ingenuity of early navigation techniques. Today, the site offers a tranquil escape amidst redwood groves, inviting visitors to reflect on the region's rich nautical past and the enduring power of nature's landmarks. The area provides a peaceful atmosphere where history blends seamlessly with nature, ideal for leisurely strolls and photography enthusiasts.
A brief summary to Site of Blossom Rock Navigation Trees
- 085 000100201, Oakland, CA, 94619, US
Local tips
- Visit the site during the week to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- Combine your visit with a hike in Redwood Regional Park for a full day of outdoor adventure.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in the Madrone Picnic Area, surrounded by the beauty of the redwood forest.
Getting There
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Driving
From downtown Oakland, take Highway 13 (the Warren Freeway) north towards Redwood Road. Take the Redwood Road exit and follow Redwood Road up the hill. Turn left onto Skyline Boulevard. Roberts Regional Recreation Area will be on your right in approximately one mile. Follow signs for the Madrone Picnic Area. Parking at Roberts Regional Recreation Area costs $5 per vehicle.
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Public Transport
From downtown Oakland, take BART to the MacArthur station. Transfer to AC Transit bus #46 towards Skyline Boulevard. The bus stops at the intersection of Skyline Blvd. and Joaquin Miller Road. From there, it is approximately a 1-mile walk uphill along Skyline Boulevard to the entrance of Roberts Regional Recreation Area. Check AC Transit schedules for current fares and times. From behind the former headquarters building, it is 1.08 miles along the Dunn and Graham trails to Roberts.
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