Near Lake Merritt Loop
Sunset
Near Lake Merritt Loop
Relaxing in the shade
Near Lake Merritt Loop
Romantic evening on Lake Merritt
Near Lake Merritt Loop
Venetian Gondola
Near Lake Merritt Loop
Fairyland Amusement Park

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Lake Merritt Loop

3.5 (13 Ratings)
Enjoy an urban park in the middle of beautiful Oakland.
3.3
mi
Distance
15
ft
Gain
easy
Difficulty
BirdingFamily FriendlyLake
Access Issues
Swimming and fishing are prohibited.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.31mi
Distance
15ft
Elevation Gain
15ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
25ft
High Point
4ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
Starting from the angled parking near the Lakeside Demonstration Gardens, follow this obvious wide trail around the lake. The trail is flat, and there are plenty of great sights to see along the loop around Lakeside Park.
History & Background
The park is America's Oldest Wildlife Refuge and is a great spot for birding (egrets, herons, Canada geese, pelicans).

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Joaquin Miller Park Loop

Hike Route

Joaquin Miller Park Loop

Wildflowers
extreme
11.84 mi
+2,784 ft
Temescal Loop

Hike Route

Temescal Loop

Birding
moderate
1.93 mi
+155 ft
Berkeley Hills

Hike Route

Berkeley Hills

Birding
moderate
3.33 mi
+1,102 ft
Educational Loop

Hike Route

Educational Loop

Birding
moderate
4.17 mi
+657 ft
Redwood Regional Loop

Hike Route

Redwood Regional Loop

River/Creek
moderate
7.07 mi
+1,330 ft
Leona Canyon

Hike Route

Leona Canyon

Birding
moderate
5.38 mi
+1,233 ft
Contributors
Wendy Wheeler