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Site of Blossom Rock Navigation Trees

Discover Oakland's maritime history at the Site of Blossom Rock Navigation Trees, where towering redwoods once guided ships through treacherous waters.

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Visit the site of the Blossom Rock Navigation Trees in Oakland's Redwood Regional Park, where towering redwoods once guided ships through the treacherous waters of the San Francisco Bay. These trees served as natural landmarks, helping mariners avoid the submerged Blossom Rock in the 19th century. Though the original trees are gone, second-growth redwoods sprout from their stumps, commemorating this historical landmark.

A brief summary to Site of Blossom Rock Navigation Trees

  • 085 000100201, Oakland, CA, 94619, US

Local tips

  • Visit during early morning or late afternoon for the best light for photography.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the tranquil surroundings of the Madrone Picnic Area.
  • Check local resources for any guided tours or events that may enhance your visit.
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Getting There

  • 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 Blvd to Roberts Regional Recreation Area. A single fare on AC Transit is $2.10, payable with cash or Clipper Card. Clipper cards can be purchased at BART stations for a one-time fee of $3.00.

  • Driving

    From Highway 13 in Oakland, take the Redwood Road exit. Head east (uphill) on Redwood Road. At the intersection with Skyline Boulevard, turn left. Roberts Regional Recreation Area will be a mile up Skyline Boulevard on the right. Parking is available within the park for $5 per vehicle.

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Discover more about Site of Blossom Rock Navigation Trees

The Site of Blossom Rock Navigation Trees marks a fascinating intersection of natural history and maritime ingenuity. In the early 19th century, before modern navigational tools, ships relied on two towering redwood trees to safely navigate the San Francisco Bay. These trees, standing atop the Oakland hills, served as natural landmarks, guiding vessels to avoid the perilous Blossom Rock, a submerged hazard named after the HMS Blossom. Captain F.W. Beechey of the British Royal Navy documented the use of these trees in 1826, noting that aligning the northern tip of Yerba Buena Island with the trees ensured a safe passage. The trees were part of a vast redwood forest called 'Palos Colorados' by the Spanish, and were visible from as far as 16 miles away. Sadly, the high demand for timber during the Gold Rush led to extensive logging, and the original Blossom Rock Navigation Trees were felled by 1855. The loss of these trees created significant navigational problems, prompting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to remove Blossom Rock itself. Today, visitors can explore the site within Roberts Regional Recreation Area, where a California Historical Landmark plaque commemorates the location of these vital navigation aids. While the original trees are gone, second-growth redwoods have sprouted from their stumps, offering a poignant reminder of the region's natural history and the ingenuity of early mariners. The Madrone Picnic Area provides a tranquil setting to reflect on the stories these trees hold and the journeys they witnessed.

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