Lake Chabot: West Shore, Bass Cove, Columbine, Brandon, Escondido, Brandon, Towhee, Live Oak, East Shore Trails Loop is a 11.5 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Castro Valley, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is accessible year-round.
birding
hiking
nature trips
walking
lake
views
wild flowers
The trail begins along the flat and paved West Shore Trail, which follows Lake Chabot’s scenic shoreline. From this path you can look out across the lake at boaters who have launched from the Marina. The heavily wooded Cascade Trail follows one of Lake Chabot’s feeder steams. There is also a wonderful view of the bay from Towhee Trail. Much of the hike takes place on the Lake Chabot Bike Trail; although hikers have the right of way, be aware of your surroundings. From the Lake Chabot Marina parking lot, head left, following signs for West Shore Trail. Proceed for 1.82 miles and cross the Lake Chabot dam. Make a right after the dam onto Bass Cove Trail and follow it for 1.33 miles. At the next fork, make a right to stay on Bass Cove Trail, then continue for .46 mile. Keep straight to take Columbine/Cascade Trail 1.5 miles to the Stone Bridge. Make a sharp right at the signpost and follow Brandon Trail (and signs for the Lake Chabot Bike Loop) for .89 mile to Escondido Trail. Make a right on Escondido Trail. After 1.39 miles, make a right to reconnect with Brandon Trail and the Lake Chabot Bike Loop. Continue for 1.37 miles until you reach the day use parking lot. Safely cross Marciel Road and continue straight, following signs for Brandon Trail and Lake Chabot Bike Loop. After .13 mile, make a sharp right to follow Towhee Trail for .27 mile, then turn left onto Live Oak Trail. Follow Live Oak Trail for a little over a mile, continuing to follow signs for the Lake Chabot Bike Loop. Cross the bridge and then head right on the East Shore Trail for 1.65 miles until you return to the Marina. Park Hours: 6am to sunset (varies seasonally) Fees: Parking: $5/vehicle, $4/trailered vehicle, $25/bus. Dogs: $2/dog. Guide/service dogs free.