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Chabot Dam: A Historic Civil Engineering Landmark

Discover Chabot Dam in Castro Valley: A historic landmark offering hiking, fishing, and boating in a beautiful regional park setting.

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Chabot Dam, nestled in Lake Chabot Regional Park, is a testament to 19th-century engineering. Completed in 1875, it initially served as the San Leandro Reservoir, Oakland's primary water source. Today, it's a recreational hub offering hiking, fishing, and boating.

A brief summary to California Historic Civil Engineering Landmark: Chabot Dam

  • West Shore Trail, Castro Valley, California, 94546, US

Local tips

  • Visit the Lake Chabot History Walk to learn about the dam's construction and the area's history.
  • Check the East Bay Regional Park District website for alerts about blue-green algae blooms before visiting.
  • Consider parking outside the park on Lake Chabot Road to avoid the $5 parking fee, but be mindful of the walking distance to the dam.
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as the lake attracts a variety of avian species.
  • Explore the West Shore and East Shore Trails for accessible and scenic walking options around the lake.
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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 signs to Lake Chabot Road. The dam is accessible via the West Shore Trail from the Lake Chabot Marina. Parking at the Lake Chabot Marina costs $5 per vehicle. Free parking is available along Lake Chabot Road, but it may require a longer walk to the trailhead.

  • Walking

    From the Lake Chabot Marina, follow the paved West Shore Trail. The trail is approximately 3.5 miles long and offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding hills. The dam is located about 2 miles from the marina. Be aware that the West Shore Trail has some steep sections.

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Discover more about California Historic Civil Engineering Landmark: Chabot Dam

Chabot Dam, located within Lake Chabot Regional Park in Castro Valley, California, stands as a remarkable example of 19th-century engineering and a pivotal landmark in the development of the East Bay. Originally known as the San Leandro Reservoir, the dam and the resulting Lake Chabot were completed in 1875, providing a crucial water source for the burgeoning communities of the region. The story begins with Anthony Chabot, an entrepreneur who recognized the need for a reliable water supply in the rapidly growing East Bay. Construction was a monumental undertaking, employing approximately 800 Chinese laborers who moved an astounding 682,000 cubic yards of earth fill. Wild horses were even used to compact the clay core of the dam, showcasing the innovative techniques employed at the time. In 1928, the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) acquired the facilities and renamed them Chabot Dam, Reservoir, and Filter Plant, honoring Chabot's contribution. For 91 years, Lake Chabot remained closed to recreational activities, serving solely as a water source. However, in the 1960s, legislation opened the lake for controlled recreational uses, transforming it into a beloved regional park. Visitors can walk across the dam, appreciating its scale and learning about its history through interpretive signs. The American Society of Civil Engineers designated Chabot Dam as a California Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1976, underscoring its significance. While swimming is not permitted, the lake is a popular destination for fishing and boating. Anglers can cast their lines for trout, catfish, bass, and crappie, while boaters can explore the lake’s coves and inlets in kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats. Hiking trails wind through redwood forests and along the lake’s shoreline, providing stunning views and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

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