Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (formerly Redwood Regional Park) is part of the East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD) in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is located in the hills to the east of Oakland. The park contains the largest remaining natural stand on the coast of redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) found in the East Bay. The park is part of the historic redwood coast belt that extends south to the Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Reserve and east to Moraga.

 

Redwood forests are more commonly found near the coast, where the air is cool and moist all year round. In the Bay Area, such forests are found in the Santa Cruz Mountains and in the Marin Hills. The unique geographical circumstances of the Redwood Forest in Redwood Regional Park are creating coastal conditions. Winds engulf the Golden Gate flow directly across the Bay and are channeled into the linear valley in which the Montclair District of Oakland is located. The valley is well-watered all year round and protected from extreme temperatures and high winds.

 

In addition to the large coastal redwood forest, the park's 1833 acres also contain other evergreens, chaparrals and grasslands. Wildlife within the park includes rare species such as the golden eagle and the striped racer of Alameda. Deer, raccoons, rabbits, and squirrels are frequently seen.

 

The name of the rainbow trout species was based on fish taken from the San Leandro Creek drainage, including Redwood Creek. The trout seen in the creek today is the descendants of that pure strain. Historical Landmark # 970 is located at the fishway interpretive site a short distance from the Redwood Gate Park entrance off Redwood Road. The fish-way was built on the creek in this area to help the trout reach their upstream spawning grounds. Please note that fishing is not permitted in the park.

 

Popular activities for park visitors include picnicking, jogging, hiking, archery and horseback riding along 40 miles (64 km) of park trails.[6] Fishing is not permitted within Redwood Regional Park. The park offers four picnic sites for groups of 50 to 150 people. Advance bookings are recommended. They are reserved and accessible to persons with disabilities. There are also some overnight group camping areas available. Reservations are needed. The children's playground is a quarter mile down the Stream Trail from the Canyon Meadow staging area. Watching nature is another popular activity. The park is home to rare species, such as the golden eagle and the striped racer of the Alameda. Deer, raccoons, rabbits and squirrels are the most common fauna.

 

There are a few entrances to the Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. The main entrance, Redwood Gate, is on Redwood Road in Oakland, approximately two miles east of Skyline Blvd. At Oakland on Highway 13, exit at Redwood Road and go east (uphill). You cross the Skyline Boulevard at the top of the hill and pass the Skyline Ranch Equestrian Center on the right. You'll pass the Piedmont Stables on the left. The Big Bear Staging Area will be on the right approximately one and a half miles from Skyline Boulevard, followed by the MacDonald Staging Area on the right and the Redwood Gate on the left (seasonal parking fee). If you continue another quarter mile and turn left onto Pinehurst Road, after a few moments you will reach the Pinehurst Gate Staging Area.

 

Other staging areas can be reached by turning left onto Skyline Boulevard at its intersection with Redwood as you climb up from Highway 13. You will first reach the 11500 Skyline Boulevard staging area on the right (former administrative headquarters). Immediately after that, turn right to stay on Skyline Boulevard (otherwise the road becomes Joaquin Miller Road and you'll continue downhill). A few miles further on Skyline you will reach the Roberts Regional Recreation Area with a swimming pool, hiking, picnic, etc. Further along Skyline you will reach Robert's Redwood Bowl, the Moon Gate Staging Area, and the larger Skyline Gate Staging Area. Continuing on Skyline will take you to Huckleberry Botanic and Sibley Volcanic Regional Reserves.

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