Why get stuck in I-80 six lane traffic when you can take a scenic route from Berkeley northbound to nearby Richmond/El Sobrante ? Or avoid Caldecott Tunnel traffic and take a drive over the mountain instead of through it?
I lived in this area many years ago, luckily I remembered the views of the Bay from several stops along Grizzly Peak Drive are so worth it if you have a little time for a more casual drive. You pass the Tilden Park area along the way. Winding roads, the smell of eucalyptus trees along the way, just the way I remembered. Ahh! This is what I love and miss about the East Bay living in WNY, far away.
On Grizzly Peak Boulevard, you drive for approximately ten miles from north Berkeley in total to reach the intersection with traffic light to turn west-bound towards the Bay along San Pablo Dam road. Or, east-bound towards the suburb of Orinda/Hway 24, further interior in the East Bay.
Definitely take this drive if you're a visitor and want views of the Bay. Of course, if you have even more time and enjoy hiking, there are many trails off the main road to explore.
What's concerning and is visible: the East Bay hills are in a serious drought and look parched. Thirsty for water. Risk of fire danger is high. This is a larger scale environmental problem for much of California. As lovely as the eucalyptus tree aroma is, it's oil is also highly flammable.
I've read that when the oils in the tree heat up, the plant releases flammable gas, which ignites into a fireball. This accelerates the eucalyptus fire hazards in a region and discourages firefighting efforts. Removal of the trees has been recommended largely due to eucalyptus fire damage but also because they are taking the place of native species. The plants are considered dangerous in fire prone areas because of their habit of shooting sparks if they catch fire. Eucalyptus oil and fire are a match made in heaven from the fire's perspective but also pose a nightmare. Read more at Eucalyptus Fire Hazards on the Internet.
By all means, take this drive and smell the eucalyptus while they are still here! read more