Middle Harbor Regional Shoreline AA-AG * 2+ miles;vSJ            MORE INFO AND MAP

I wouldn't visit Middle Harbor in pursuit of nature, but if you do go there, you might be surprised by the wildflowers on the southeast shore where habitat restoration is underway, or the diverse waterfowl that are able to live their lives right by the active Port of Oakland. Still, this park's main attraction is the chance to get a good look at the operation of the huge cranes that I've always thought look like robot horses lined up by the estuary. The free brochure and interpretive signs around the park give a lot of information about Oakland's long maritime history and the habitat restoration being done at Middle Harbor, but the surroundings there are very clean and new, like a landscaped office park, and don't evoke the feel of that history, or, for the most part, of nature either.

The brochure mentions an exhibit in the "Train Tower" at Port View Park, but if seeing it is important to you I'd suggest phoning to find out if the elevator there is working.The one to the Observation Tower at the other end of the park was out of service when we were there, and didn't appear likely to get fixed soon.
You can see a lot without going up in the tower, but if you want to do it with binoculars from a wheelchair you'd better bring your own. The set at Point Arnold evidently intended for wheelchair users has no height adjustment, and didn't do me much good!
Other than that, access is good, with almost all of the paths paved and accessible parking and restrooms at Port View, Point Arnold, and at the south end of the park. There are plenty of benches, picnic tables and barbeque pits.

Details: Middle Harbor is way out in West Oakland, but you can get there by bus or car. For detailed directions, use the link above, and scroll to the bottom of the page. For elevator status or other park information call (510-272-4810) There is no fee; dogs aren't allowed, except service dogs. Last visit Spring 2006