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Point Pinole Regional Shoreline - Site # 171 |
The journey is as scenic as the destination at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, a 2,315-acre parkland right next to densely populated Pinole, Richmond, and San Pablo. Trails lead through breezy meadows with wildflowers in season, through aromatic eucalyptus woods, or along bluffs and beaches on San Pablo Bay.
There are beautiful views of Mt. Tamalpais, the Marin shoreline, and San Pablo Bay with its sailboat and shipping traffic. |
 | Regional - worth visiting if you are already in the area. They may be located farther from populated areas or with more limited wildlife species. |
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Background: | Point Pinole opened to the public in 1973 after a long process of acquiring the property from Bethlehem Steel. Bethlehem had acquired the land in the early 1960s from Atlas Powder Co., one of several firms that had manufactured gunpowder and dynamite there for almost 100 years. |
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The Habitat: | Point Pinole Regional Shoreline features more than 100 species of birds due to a myriad of habitats within its 2,315 acres. Bird life can be found on sandy shores, marshland, eucalyptus groves, meadows, and in a fresh water pond while meandering along the park's twelve miles of trails. To see a list of common species in the park, download the Point Pinole bird list.
The eucalyptus woodlands, originally planted as a buffer against potential explosions, now shelter wildlife instead, such as deer, hawks, owls, Monarch butterfies, and many other species. Shorebirds wade at the beaches, and the salt marshes are home to song sparrows and harvest mice. |
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The Experience: | Visitors can birdwatch, hike, ride their bicycles or horses, or take the park's shuttle bus for a mile and a half to reach Point Pinole's 1,250-foot fishing pier. There is a small fee to ride on the shuttle bus.
Although a State fishing license is required to fish along the 5.5-mile shoreline, none is needed to fish from the pier. Sturgeon is the big quarry there; striped bass, bay rays, leopard sharks, perch, kingfish, and flounders are among the other catches of the day.
Group Camping
Point Pinole Group Campsite - May be reserved by calling 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2, or by writing to EBRPD Reservations, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, P.O. Box 5381, Oakland, CA 94605-0381. Reservations must be made at least 7 days in advance. |
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Wildlife and Where to Find It: | Point Pinole Regional Shoreline features over 100 species of bird due to a myriad of habitats within its 2,315 acres. Bird life can be found on sandy shores, marshland, eucalyptus groves, meadows, and in a fresh water pond while meandering along the park's twelve miles of trails. To see a list of common species in the park.
The eucalyptus woodlands, originally planted as a buffer against potential explosions, now shelter wildlife instead, such as deer, hawks, owls, Monarch butterfies, and many other species. Shorebirds wade at the beaches, and the salt marshes are home to song sparrows and harvest mice. |
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Viewing Tips: | |
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Site Notes: | Atlas Road Bridge Extension
The District opened a new park entrance at the end of Atlas Road. The entrance, which comprises a vehicle and ADA-compliant pedestrian bridge over railroad tracks, provides visitors with safe access to the park. The entrance leads to a new ADA-accessible parking area, picnic sites and restrooms. Future plans for this area include a park office and service yard and the route to a new park visitor center.
San Francisco Bay Trail
The Park District completed two major projects opening up 1.8 miles of new Bay Trail, thus extending the existing 4.5 miles of SF Bay Trail within the park. |
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Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: |
Staff On-site: | No |
Open: | |
Hours: | |
Year Round: | Yes |
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Road Information: |
Paved. | | Road Hazards: |
| Number of Parking Spaces: 0 |
| Parking Fee: Yes |
| Proximity to viewing area: |
| Pull-Through Parking: Yes |
| Parking Notes: Fees are collected when the Kiosk is attended on weekends and major holidays from April through October.
Car/Trailer: $3
Buses: $25/per bus. |
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How to Get There: | From I-80 in Richmond, exit at the Richmond Parkway. From the Richmond Parkway, turn right onto Giant Highway and proceed to the park entrance. |
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Contact Information |
Managing Agency: | East Bay Regional Park District |
Agency Site URL: | http://www.ebparks.org/ |
Physical Address: | 2950 Peralta Oaks Court Oakland, CA 94605 |
Agency 2: | , CA |
Manager Phone: | |
| Site Phone: | 510-237-6896 | | |
County: | Contra Costa |
Addition Website: |
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