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Point San Pablo Yacht Harbor [north of Point Molate, Richmond] B; *** ; 0.25 miles SJ This is a very short trail, but it's worth visiting since the future of Point Molate is currently in dispute, with the possibility of putting a huge casino there being resisted by advocates for keeping it as open space. The harbor, currently the only place you can get off the road, is a
small cluster of houseboats, powerboats, and sailboats, at the end of
a very rough paved road through Point Molate. Just strolling on the
breakwater east and south of the harbor is interesting for the old structures
and views of the bay. Details: Point San Pablo Yacht Harbor has ample space to park, but no public restroom.To get there take the Point Molate exit just east of the San Rafael bridge on Hwy 580. Point Molate Park has long been closed, but the road on the way to the harbor is very little traveled, mostly level, and offers interesting, albeit far from pristine, views of the bay, the waterfront and hillsides. Just before reaching the harbor, the road climbs steeply over a low ridge. This stretch would be difficult for many power chairs, and require major assistance to tackle without power. Last visit Spring 2002 |
Most
of the surrounding area is very securely fenced off, but south of the
harbor the abandoned railroad track has a path alongside it that offers
wildflowers, views of the bay and birdwatching both in the woods and
shrubbery on the hillside and (tide permitting) on the mudflats below.
The trail is level, but narrow and at places uncomfortably bumpy over
railroad ties set in gravel. Most of the gravel is very firm, but in
two places it was loose enough that some chairs might need assistance.
It appears that even after heavy rain it would not be muddy. At some
points shrubbery (Scotch broom) overhangs the path; it was easy to push
through it, but visiting in March at the peak of the bloom, I noticed
bees, which might be a concern for anyone who is very allergic to them
or to pollen. The trail goes only about a quarter mile before ending
at a high fence. There are wide spots where it would be pleasant to
stop for a picnic, but, not surprisingly, no benches. When we were there
on the first Saturday of spring we saw only a few boat-dwellers and
people fishing.