Near Bear Creek Trail
Briones Reservoir from Bear Creek Trail.

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Hike Trail

Bear Creek Trail

3.7 (7 Ratings)
A trail along the southern and eastern shore of EBMUD's Briones Reservoir.
3.9
mi
Distance
579
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingLakeLakefrontRiver/CreekViewsWildlife
Access Issues
Trail users must have a trail permit; see the East Bay trails website for more information. Bicycles and dogs are prohibited on this trail.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.89mi
Distance
579ft
Elevation Gain
554ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
898ft
High Point
581ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This trail provides access along the southern and eastern shore of EBMUD's Briones Reservoir. The southern end of this trail begins at the southeast end of the reservoir dam, where the trail meets the Oursan Trail. This trail goes north past Briones Overlook Staging Area (free parking, restrooms) and continues as singletrack through woody, brushy terrain. This trail eventually becomes a dirt service road as it goes eastward along the southern shoreline. Soon it travels across flat floodplain, crosses the inlet stream and reaches the EBMUD Bear Creek Staging Area and the northeast end of Oursan Trail. (This staging area is on the WEST side of Bear Creek Road. Do not confuse it with Bear Creek Staging Area in Briones Regional Park, reached from the EAST side of Bear Creek Road via park access road just north of the EBMUD staging area.)

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
John Rabold