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Lafayette Reservoir

4.4 (469 reviews)

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Morning walk around the reservoir
Andrea M.

Lafayette Reservoir was introduced to me by a girlfriend years ago, and it became our meeting place for a weekly walking date. The trail that follows the perimeter of the reservoir is about 3 miles, an easy, paved, mostly flat walk. There are more challenging trails off the main path if you're so inclined (get it, inclined...?...I'm here all week). A lot of cute dogs to see on the trail, as well as other critters around the park at times, including wild turkeys who think they own the place, and adorable goats which are sometimes brought in to 'mow' the grass. Watching the animals is one of my favorite parts of visiting this place. The sun is often blazing during the warmer months, and much of the area is unshaded, so setting out earlier in the morning is a good idea, and sunscreen and a sun hat are a must. Protect your skin folks, you'll be glad you did. There are multiple picnic areas that can be rented out, and we've had a lovely time celebrating several special occasions here with friends. I've never been out on the water itself, but you can fish here, or rent a paddle boat to go out on. A nice outdoor recreation destination in Contra Costa Co, and a welcome reprieve from daily urban life.

Sam P.

Began our Memorial Day weekend with a walk around Lafayette Reservoir and it was a great way to start the day! Arrived early and easily got parking though by the time we had completed the loop, the lot was full! Parking was just $4. Beautiful views and lots of different hikes, we did the basic loop which appears to be about 2.5 miles and it's pretty, shaded and an easy walk! Beautiful views in every direction! Well worth a visit for beautiful views and a lovely walking trail!

Playground
Leah E.

While coordinating an activity with friends who live in Pleasant Hill, Oakland, and San Ramon, we settled on meeting up here for the 3 mile loop and brunch nearby. In addition to the paved walking trail, there are facilities for fishing, boating, picnicking and a playground. I remember this being an easy loop walk the last time I was there 10+ years ago, and it definitely has some incline so it's not a walk that I would recommend without proper athletic shoes. The parking meters were out of order the day we met up. There are two options- metered and day passes.

Bre W.

Love this park but I really love the staff at the boating dock. Very friendly and helpful, especially Ben!

Ali M.

I have been coming here for years and it's my favorite place for dog walking . I've never been on the upper rim but the one on the bottom is 3 miles long and it's the perfect mix of inclines and flat surfaces which all make for a great workout . They have annual parking passes if you come a lot or you can just pay for a couple of hours for $4. They also have a playground for children and benches with bathrooms and water fountains spread across to take breaks if need be. Highly recommend coming here with your pup or even a friend to get your steps in.

Inner rim
Pat C.

Clockwise, counterclockwise - take your pick. Inner rim 2.7miles tarmac Moderate hills/slops. Outer rim 4.7miles dirt/gravel considerably steeper. Bathrooms every mile or so. Ample parking - 1 hour max Annual pass available. Park I. Town and add an extra mile and a steep climb to get your cardio going. Mobility friendly. Dawn to dusk. Specific days for bikes. Dogs on leash.

Phil A.

This is definitely the place to be in Lafayette, especially on the weekends!! I finally had the chance to run around the reservoir on the Lakeside Nature Trail, a 2.7 mile loop on a paved trail with rolling hills. Lots of people come here for many reasons!! The kids playground seems very popular for the youngsters. You will also see plenty of people fishing all around this reservoir, seems like many have their spots picked out. The Rim Trail is the upper trail and is much longer than the Nature Trail, and there are multiple trails that lead there. Parking here is usually a thing, most people opt for the hourly parking, so make sure you bring coins if you're going that route. Only quarters are acceptable in the machine!! You can tell this is the place people go to get their exercise in and enjoy the outdoors, and it gets really hot here in the summer time!! There are plenty of restrooms and places to sit all along the Lakeside Trail. There were many spots along the trail that reminded me of Lake Chabot in Castro Valley!! Lots to like about this place!!

Yvette M.

We walked a little over a mile from downtown Lafayette to the reservoir and skipped the paid parking lot. The area was busy with a lot of walkers and dogs on a Saturday morning at 9am. We took the Lakeside Nature Trail, with a 2.7 mile loop around the reservoir. You'll see additional trails along the way, if you'd like to to extend your hike. You'll find a great workout here with varying incline and decline levels. Restrooms, benches, and picnic areas are available, along with great views. Petal boats can also be rented, and I'm tempted to try those on a cooler day. I noticed water stations and bowls for dogs if you forget to bring your own. Also, a fishing spot, they even had a cleaning station. I'll definitely add this to my list on my return visits to Lafayette. Headed back into downtown Lafayette, I grabbed a cold pressed juice and salad at Diablo Market.

Darren F.

One of my favorite spots these days, been up on this location for 30 years easy. If you're looking for a breathtaking escape just a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area, Lafayette Reservoir is the ultimate retreat. This place is a dazzling jewel where nature, recreation, and relaxation meet in perfect harmony. After spending a blissful day here, I can confidently give it a glowing five stars. From the moment you arrive, you're greeted by an expansive oasis surrounded by lush, towering trees that seem to whisper secrets of serenity. The reservoir itself glistens under the sunlight like liquid glass, reflecting the verdant beauty of its surroundings. It's the perfect spot for anyone craving a mix of tranquility and adventure. Ah, the boats! Renting a paddleboat or rowboat here is an absolute must. Gliding across the reservoir's calm waters feels like you've stepped into a postcard. Each gentle stroke of the paddle brings you closer to nature. I personally appreciate nature much more in recent years. If you're a local or plan to visit frequently, the Glass Pass is your golden ticket. This annual pass is a no-brainer for access to everything this reservoir has to offer. It lets you bypass daily fees, and trust me, once you visit, you'll want to come back again and again. Whether you're here for a brisk morning jog, an afternoon picnic, or a twilight stroll, the pass pays for itself in no time. For the hikers, runners, and casual strollers, the Lafayette Reservoir's paved trail is a dream. It's a 2.7-mile loop around the water with just the right amount of elevation to get your heart pumping while still enjoying the views. If you're feeling adventurous, the Rim Trail offers a longer and more challenging hike with spectacular vistas that reward your effort tenfold. Every step feels like a meditation, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and eucalyptus trees. The reservoir caters to everyone. There are plenty of shaded picnic areas equipped with tables and BBQ pits, perfect for family gatherings or quiet lunches with a view. For anglers, the fishing here is a hidden delight - stocked regularly with trout and catfish, the reservoir offers ample opportunities for a peaceful day with your rod and reel. Keep your eyes peeled because the Lafayette Reservoir is teeming with wildlife. Birds serenade you at every turn. I go here for a hike as frequently as possible, highly recommend

Finished the 2.7 Loop
Kendra F.

My friend and I came here last week after not wanting to do an intense hike but still wanting to take a walk. So here are the deets! As far as I know, parking is free here. The pay stations look to be broken or out of order and when arriving, there isn't anyone in the parking payment booth. There is a bathroom near parking and another bathroom about five ninutes into the trail. The view of the water upon parking to enter the trail is a sight to see as well. This walk is about a 2.7 mile loop. I'd say it's fairly easy. There were maybe two bits of incline, but that lasted for maybe five seconds. The trees along the walk made my day. I can't get enough of these fall leaves!

Huge Lake of Lafayette Reservoir
Ivan B.

This is a great reservoir to go hiking and boating. I came here because I want to hike. There are two main hiking trails I went: SHORE TRAIL (2.7 miles) This trail is easy since it is a paved trail and that there are restrooms along this trail. It is mostly flat, but can get a little steep along the way. Recommended for people who are new to hiking. RIM TRAIL (4.7 miles) This trail is challenging since it is an unpaved trail and that some parts of this trail are very steep. There are no restrooms in this trail, and so, you should go to the restroom first before hiking at this trail. There is much scenery of this trail since it really looks nice along the way compared to Shore Trail. It is easy to take pictures of places from above (where the benches are) since you can mostly see most parts of Lafayette Reservoir. Recommended for people who have been hiking for a while.

$7.00 all day parking receipt

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1 year ago

$10 to pay to hike around the paved reservoir. A bit shaded along the way (you can also rent paddle boats) during the summer.

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Only one parking meter works! Imagine the lines! Whoever is managing this should get fired.

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Ask the Community - Lafayette Reservoir

Can you drive a car around the reservoir?

No it is a walking trail only.

Can you bring your own Stand Up Paddle board or kayak to use in the reservoir?

Kayak yes, see website. Paddle board no.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes!

Are dogs allowed to swim in the water?

I wouldn't let my dog swim here, personally. ebmud.com:… Read more

Is fishing allowed and if so, what kind of fish do they have (trout/bass/catfish/etc)?

Yes, you need to buy a permit but they don't really check. I bought my permit from Dick's sporting goods. It's cheap!… Read more

I understand boat rental and launch is closed. Is Kayaking allowed?

Sorry, this is late, but yes you can now as of August 2021!

Are the bathrooms open?

Yes they are

Is it open? Could I have a picnic there?

Yes but picnic space is limited on a first come first serve basis. Call (925) 284-9669 for more information.

Are you allowed to get in the water?

I wouldn't. This is what ebmud.com says: "Notice: Harmful algae present in Lafayette Reservoir… Read more

Is Lafayette Reservoir open?

Yes/trails and parking lot are open. Picnic areas closed

Does anyone know if we can rent rowboats during this time/Covid time?

The last time I was there (last week), the only thing open was the upper rim trail. No parking, no lower trail, no picnics, no restrooms, no boat rental.

Have they closed Lafayette reservoir for walking around during the COVID-19 shelter in place? We don't have many places to walk where we live. Thanks.

Yes it is closed.

Is it OK to fly drones over the reservoir?

I asked the Ranger Supervisor and he indicated that Drones are not permitted.

Can you use live bait such as minnows?

Per conversation with the Ranger Supervisor, live bait is not permitted except for worms.

Are dogs allowed to swim?

Dogs as well as humans should not swim due to harmful algae. This is what the website says: "Notice:… Read more

All the tick warnings have got me freaked out, I'm wondering if anyone has gotten a tick?

I've been here 20 times and never gotten a tick. Neither has my dog.

How many people can be on a row boat? Thanks!

In the paddle boards the max is 4

What's time on weekends is the least crowded time to walk the paved shorter loop? We don't like early mornings and bikes are allowed up until 11am on Sundays anyways. Thanks!

Evenings just before close.

Double question. Will the lake add a motorized boat anytime soon? Would it be possible to rent float…

Hi Chris. The reservoir has rowboats, pedal boats and kayaks to rent, and you use your own as long as it doesn't have a gasoline engine. Personal boats do have to be inspected prior to launch. Inspections are done by Reservoir staff. Not sure about… Read more

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Review Highlights - Lafayette Reservoir

You can even get an annual pass which I am contemplating getting since I go almost every weekend if weather permits.

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Redwood Valley Railway - Tilden Regional Park Steam Train $4/ticket

Redwood Valley Railway

4.8(251 reviews)
4.2 mi

Open every weekend (weather permitting) including holidays 11am to 6pm…read more Super cute steam train that takes you around the park Tickets are $5 per person Kids 2 years and up need a ticket Credit card and debit card accepted Parking in the main lot gets full fast but there is additional parking not too far away and parking is free My little man enjoyed this ride I love making new memories with him

Redwood Valley Railway was honestly way more fun than I expected. It's one of those small, somewhat…read morehidden attractions in the East Bay that you might not hear about unless someone tells you. But once you visit, it feels like a perfect little weekend activity, especially if you have kids or dogs. The main attraction is the miniature steam train that runs through the redwood forest in Tilden Regional Park. The train goes through trees, small bridges, and tunnels, and the ride is surprisingly scenic. It's about 12-15 minutes long, which feels just right--not too short, but also perfect for kids. Even though it's technically designed for children, adults definitely enjoy it too. There's something very nostalgic about riding a tiny train through the woods. One thing I really liked is how dog-friendly the place is. You'll see a lot of families bringing their dogs along, and it's honestly pretty cute seeing dogs riding the train with everyone else. The surrounding park area is also really nice, so you can easily walk around a bit or have a small picnic after the ride. That said, this place is extremely popular on weekends. There's basically always a line for the train. Because of that, timing really matters. I would strongly recommend arriving around 10:50 AM. That way you can usually still park in the main lot and get in line right before the first train of the day at 11. Getting on that first ride makes the whole visit much easier, otherwise the wait can get pretty long. Another cool thing is that on Sundays, there's actually another train experience nearby run by a train enthusiast club called Golden Gate Live Steamers. It's just further down the hill, and they usually offer free miniature train rides (donations encouraged) in the afternoon. Those trains are run by hobbyists and are even more "enthusiast style," which is pretty fun to see. Overall this place feels like one of those hidden local gems. It's simple, charming, and surprisingly fun. Great for a relaxed weekend morning--especially if you want something outdoors that works for both kids and dogs.

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Redwood Valley Railway - Frist time here with the fam 5/31/2025

Frist time here with the fam 5/31/2025

Redwood Valley Railway
Redwood Valley Railway - Frist time here with the fam 5/31/2025

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Frist time here with the fam 5/31/2025

Larkey Park - Swim Center

Larkey Park

4.3(44 reviews)
4.8 mi

Given a nice spring sunny day, on a whim we decided to visit Larkey Park in North Walnut Creek. It…read morehad been a long time, and we had forgotten how nice this park is! A nice walking path goes through the good-sized park, offering wonderful views of the lush lawn and large mature trees. A host of families with their young children were enjoying the playground areas, and locals with their canine companions were out too. A few picnic tables are available, or - as one young woman did - just spread out your towel and have lunch on the lawn. After walking for a while we found a bench near the edge of the park and just vegged out soaking up the sun. A swim center and nice pool is here, although it looks like it's only used in the summer for recreational and limited lap swimming - an under-used facility in my mind. Why not year-round lap swimming? Next door is the Lindsay Wildlife Museum, and although it was closed (open Weds-Sun), a young docent had a red tailed hawk with her and was giving a nice educational spiel. There is no dedicated parking - the one negative. Street parking nearby or in the neighborhoods is the only alternative.

After picking up some lunch, we needed a picnic table to sit at. The nearest one appeared to be at…read moreLarkey Park. To be honest, we didn't spend much time here. Just enough to eat and run. However, we did notice a couple of things. The park is pretty decent sized for an urban park. Lots of grass, trees, picnic tables on one side of the street. There is also a public pool (closed while we were there) and an unisex restroom that was reasonably clean. There were individuals, couples and groups of people enjoying the park. In one area were some musicians with guitars and possibly other instruments. We don't know they were there for practice or a class but when we arrived, one person was playing a song that sounded quite good on acoustic guitar. We also saw others who were picnicking with a dog in tow. Everyone was pretty mellow. The dogs didn't bark, and no one was playing excessively loud music. What could make the experience better for us? We didn't fully explore the park so we don't know exactly how large it is but we're always fans of parks with dog play areas. They don't have to be large, but they do need to be clean with running water and some shade. Plus, there should be separate areas for large and small dogs. Beyond that, locals should feel lucky to have such a nice park to relax in.

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Larkey Park - Nice hidden gym. Very clean

Nice hidden gym. Very clean

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Lafayette Reservoir - parks - Updated May 2026

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