I know its single track but havent been on it recently to see how much poison oak there is. . From Briones Peak, the highest point in the park, there are panoramic views of Mount Diablo and the Diablo Valley to the east, the Sacramento River and Delta to the north, the East Bay hills and Mt. Bear Creeks banks are also lined with coast live oak, willow, madrone, and big leaf maple. Alhambra to Spengler. From the Bear Creek parking lot, take old Old Briones Road northeast and turn left on Black Oak Trail -- an old wagon road. West end descent of Crest Trail down to the Bear Creek staging area. Briones Overlook staging area in Orinda, California | Sexton Group This is a one of several staging areas in the park and a great starting point for several trails whipping through the. Stay on the Oursan Trail for the next 7 miles as you cross private and public lands with cattle gates that take you to walk within feet of the magnificent reservoir from high on the hills above. While this is used very well, it's a wide area and people prefer to spread out naturally so it never feels too busy. Trail use permit required. About a half mile later you will reach the Crescent Ridge Trail. Updated April 30, 2023. The Oursan Trail dips back down toward the water and parallels the shore all the way to the Bear Creek Staging Area. Bear Creek: To reach the Bear Creek Staging Area on Bear Creek Road, exit Highway 24 at the Orinda/Camino Pablo exit and head toward Richmond. mglira04 2 years ago . Saturday is an ODD date (April 29) - Bikes (& Hikers) are allowed on designated trails in the Pilot Zone- NO Horses in the Pilot ZoneSunday is an EVEN date (April 30) - Horses (& Hikers) are allowedon designated trails in the Pilot Zone- NO Bikes in the Pilot Zone, View Pilot Zone Map| View Project Information| Volunteer for Dig Days, Alhambra and Bear Creek: Jan. 1-31: 8am-5pm, Feb. 1-Mar. No bicycles or dogs allowed on trails. Location Briones Regional Park--Bear Creek Staging Area. If youre allergic to poison oak avoid this section, its almost impossible to avoid. With over 6,000 acres of rolling hills teeming with trails, Briones Regional Park has a classic route to see almost all of what the park has to offer. After passing the archery range, you will reach a three-way junction with Seaborg Trail. Muddy in spots. It gets quite steep in the first quarter-mile, so watch your footing on the way up. Several trees down on the last down, major carveout ravines on the ridge before the loop. For map users, the intersection of Bear Creek Rd and Happy Valley Rd is close to the staging area. West Briones Regional Park - Mt. Diablo Audubon Society City: Orinda Region: EastBay Park: Briones Regional Park. Tags: bay trees, bear, Briones, creek, kids, newt, picnic. If you're up for a bit more distance, a much nicer option is to turn left at Homestead Valley and hit the Bear Creek Trail, which meanders through a deeply wooded area, crosses Bear Creek and ends up in the park's picnic area (the parking lot will be on your right). eBird Checklist - 27 Mar 2023 - Briones Regional Park--Bear Creek Crusty and moist in some steep spots. link Copy Link. 4 reviews of Bear Creek Staging Area "Total Distance 6.4 Miles - Moderate with Elevation Gain of 725 Feet This loop meanders beneach dool shade along Bear Creek before climbing to the Briones Crest Trail as it runs northest towards the open meadow and spectacular views of Table Top. Escapee exotics do not count in official eBird totals. Cows and calves are in the Tabletop, Spengler, Blue Oak, Buckeye, Sunrise, and Lafayette Ridge trail areas. lovely hike on a wet day, very few ppl yet spectacular views of snow clad Mt Diablo and SF Bay. The reservoir is in the Briones Hills, on the west side of Briones Regional Park and northeast of Orinda.It is impounded by Briones Dam, an earthen dam completed in 1964. Provisional: Either: 1) member of exotic population that is breeding in the wild, self-propagating, and has persisted for multiple years, but not yet Naturalized; 2) rarity of uncertain provenance, with natural vagrancy or captive provenance both considered plausible. At the Info Panel, go through the gate and head east along Old . 85 in Mountain Biking [+] Seaborg trail starts mellow and then goes to a strong climb to connect to Briones Crest. Abrigo Falls, Briones Regional Park - The NorCal Hiker We will meet at the lower parking lot of the Bear Creek Staging Area up to the right after the entrance kiosk. The search at Briones for the missing hiker - Mountain Bike Reviews Forum Can be muddy in places near the start/end of the trail (depending on the direction you take). Briones is accessible from Highway 24, and has five different staging areas spanning from Lafayette to Martinez. There are gorgeous wildflower displays in season. Stop by for a visit anytime. Layers -- temperatures can vary widely Then follow above info to reach the staging area. Old Briones Road Trail to Toyon Canyon Trail, Contra Costa County, CA, USA .