Point Pinole Regional Shoreline (EBRPD)AA - C; **** ; 5+ miles v SJ     MORE INFO        MAP

This is the largest park on the northeast bay shore, with meadows, marshlands, pebbly beaches, and extensive views across the water. Groves of eucalyptus trees, planted in the 1920s, are reminders of the explosives companies that operated there from 1880 to 1960, and create a less than natural environment. But it has two of the bay's remaining original salt marshes, and at least 5 miles of accessible trails, most of which are well graded gravel useable in all weather. In summer most of its grassy areas are dry and it can be hot, but in winter and spring, it may be the best hike one can reach by public transit.

From the main parking lot, the smooth asphalt of Pinole Point Road (closed to automobile traffic) leads 1.5 miles out to a fishing pier. An hourly shuttle runs from Thursday through Monday between the main entrance and the picnic area at the pier, but the vans are inaccessible to wheelchair riders, who are permitted to follow the shuttle in their own vehicles to designated parking at the pier. It is suggested you phone the park office a day in advance to arrange this. If you hike it, Pinole Point Road starts with a climb to a railway overpass that may require assistance for a manual chair user, then runs level until it slopes down for a few hundred yards as it approaches the pier. Benches are available all along the way, and pleasant picnic areas with accessible tables, barbecues, toilets and drinking fountains are situated about a quarter mile from the park entrance, and near the pier.

No fishing license is required to fish from the pier. Some of the benches on it have windbreaks, and are designed with space for wheelchairs. The heavy wooden rail is 42" high, near eye level for some wheelchair users.

A map available at the entrance shows the dirt and gravel trails that crisscross the park. Some are difficult because of overgrown brush, loose surfaces, and steep grades but, especially to the east several trails are nearly level well graded gravel. Cook's Point Trail is particularly pleasant, leading to this lovely cove. With assistance it might be possible to get a manual chair across the few feet of soft sand which separate the end of the trail from the water's edge at this little beach.

Marsh and Owl Alley Trails make a nice loop back to the Point Pinole Road. A few benches and picnic tables are provided along these less travelled routes.

Details: AC Transit line 71 runs to Point Pinole from the Richmond BART station. Driving, exit I-80 at Hilltop Mall, go left about a mile on Hilltop Drive, to its end at Richmond Pkwy. Turn left; go another mile, then take ramp to Giant Highway. After half a mile, look for Pt. Pinole entrance on the left.

Parking fee is $5 when kiosk is manned. Fee for dogs is $2; they are not permitted in the marsh areas or on the pier (service dogs excepted).

The parking lot at the main entrance has three blue spaces, and spaces are provided at the pier if you use the escort option. Accessible portable toilets are at the park entrance, at the Giant Cluster picnic area, at the intersection of the Bay View Trail and Pt. Pinole Road, and at the foot of the pier.

Information 510-237-6896. Call to arrange for shuttle escort or a shuttle schedule. Roundtrip shuttle fee is 50 cents for ages 6-11, $1 for 12-61, free for riders with disabilities. Last visit Spring 2005