Lake Temescal Loop is a 1.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Oakland, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Fees: April through October - $5/vehicle, $2/dog (Guide/service dogs free) Lake Temescal is truly an oasis, though located just next to a busy metropolis. When walking along the water’s edge, watch for birds like ducks, Canadian geese, cormorants, and kingfishers. In the spring, wild onions, lilies, and other flowers bloom along the west edge of the lake. On the Oak Bay Trail, you’ll climb a bit above the lake through some shaded woodland, with a bench at the halfway point that looks out at the hills. Take your time as you walk, and appreciate the tranquility of the lake and park. Trail Directions: Park in the north entrance parking lot off Broadway Ave. Follow the main path through the lawn area and turn left onto the Dam Trail. After about 500’ make a right, before the crosswalk, onto the East Shore Trail. Head south along the lake for .41 miles, ending at a grassy lawn with redwoods, next to the south parking lot. Near the beginning of the West Shore Trail look for a dirt path heading through the redwoods that connects to the Oak Bay Trail. Follow this trail for about .4 miles to return to the north playground, picnic areas and parking lot. Fees: Parking - April through October - $5/vehicle; Dogs:$2/dog Guide/service dogs free. (when kiosk is attended)
Driving Directions: From Hwy 24, take the Broadway exit, turn left on Broadway and proceed for about .6 miles to the park’s north entrance.
April 11, 2021Busy on the weekends but overall nice!
March 27, 2021Lake sits under the Hayward fault line. Faults that make the hilly Bay Area landscape we live in. Hike up on the Oak Bay trail to see views.
March 12, 2021March 10, 2021March 9, 2021March 3, 2021fantastic short loop. Read up on the geology of Lake temascal. Lake temescal is a sag pond on the Hayward fault. your walk will take you up one side of the fault, directly across the fault, then down the other side.
February 11, 2021January 21, 2021Very pretty and short loop! Part of the paved section is getting replaced, so you’ll have to walk on the grass for a bit. A nice walk!
January 21, 2021January 5, 2021December 31, 2020December 25, 2020Nice spot for a quick walk
December 19, 2020December 4, 2020November 9, 2020Nice and easy nature walk great for the little pup.
November 5, 2020Lake was covered with algae all the way across. Enjoyed watching fishermen, dogs, and nannies play as we walked to the field on the other side. Stroller friendly, paved path around half of lake.
November 2, 2020November 2, 2020My dog and I jogged it twice. He likes to climb, so he really likes the dirt trail for the hills. It does get quite crowded on the weekends, but I didn’t mind too much. Most of the families seemed to stay on the park side, and there were more joggers and dog walkers on the dirt trail side.
October 31, 2020October 27, 2020Great loop for a walk! Went around twice for some more distance. Really pretty on a sunny day!
October 24, 2020August 27, 2020Okay for a quick walk.
July 6, 2020Pretty crowded with families, lots of kids, dog walkers. It’s an easy loop, wear shoes with good grip for the sandy/muddy part of the trail by the lake.
June 28, 2020Nice walk, but there are a lot of people. If you’re concerned with physical distancing, this probably isn’t the best spot to go, especially on the weekends.
June 9, 2020It was really pretty, and we saw lots of plants!!!
June 8, 2020Very easy casual trail, not convid-19 friendly.
June 7, 2020One of our favorite trails in the area. The lake is beautiful. Tons of bird life. We double up and take the low trail on one circuit and then head up to the parallel and higher trail in the woods on the next circuit. There's also a trail for bikes and peds that was part of the old train between Oakland and Sacramento that you can walk to provide variety. Bring a mask, as the unpaved trails are narrow.
May 24, 2020Great to do with my 3yo on his push bike
April 26, 2020We use this trail very often and like it. Lately because of the covid19 situation it is more crowded than usual .. makes at time difficult to keep social distance..
April 3, 2020Great for small kids
