Lafayette Reservoir is one of the loveliest hidden jewels in the East Bay area of San Francisco. This is a great place to get away on a summer day or any day. It is tucked away from the hustle and noise of the cities, and the traffic and crowds of the San Francisco Bay area.
The reservoir is part of the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). The water at the reservoir comes primarily from the Mokelumne River which is in the Sierra foothills. It is also a nature reserve with 925 acres of sheer unexpected beauty.
This unexpected treasure is nestled in hills in Lafayette, California. If you didn’t know it was there, you might drive right by the entrance and be totally unaware that this surprise bit of nature even exists.
Access to Lafayette Reservoir is through an unassuming entry not far from Highway 24. It is only a mile from the Lafayette BART station. The single lane paved road, winds a very short distance up a hill, and brings you to the parking area of Lafayette Reservoir. There are two options for parking.
The first is a row of parking spots that use meters and take quarters for every 15 minutes of time parked there, The limit is two hours.
The second option is a six dollar fee for all day. You have to go through the little park entry way stall to use this option.
The Lafayette Reservoir also has an annual fee if you spend a great deal of time frequenting the reservoir and want to save money in the long run.
Once you get parked, and walk to the edge of the parking area, you are met with a spectacular view. The lake or Lafayette Reservoir itself, is surrounded by wooded hills. From the entry area you can walk a 2.7 mile paved path all the way around the reservoir. It goes up into the wooded areas and circles completely back around again. It is a beautiful walk and a place to escape.
The park has 35 sheltered picnic spots. Some are in the wooded areas. There are even some picnic tables down on the small metal piers, right next to the water. There are larger groupings of tables too up by the children’s playground on the East side of the reservoir. Two areas of picnic tables can be reserved for a fee.
The playground consists of charming wooden climbing structures and interactive features, that are for children 12 and under. One side is specifically for the younger children. The playground is fenced in so the children are contained and safe, but it is done in a way that fits the theme of the playground with a wooden fence adorned with children’s tile handprints.. It looks like a wooden castle and its accompanying buildings. The wooden composition also fits the natural surroundings.
The walking and jogging path runs right next to the playground. It even has parking slots for strollers to keep them out of the way of the many walkers and runners who enjoy Lafayette Reservoir in all seasons.
There are water fountains and bathrooms available. The restrooms are a more nature friendly variety, so don’t expect fancy bathrooms.
There are benches along the walkway if you need to sit. They are nice to relax on. You can watch the people and dogs passing by, enjoy the outdoors or to read a book in the fresh air. The views are quite spectacular from a few of the benches.
Dogs are definitely allowed in Lafayette Reservoir as long as they are on leashes. Many people bring their dogs for walks there. It is fun to see the wide variety of dog breeds that visit the Lafayette Reservoir. If you are a dog lover, this is a great place to come.
The park also provides bags for disposing of dog messes. That way other people enjoying Lafayette Reservoir, don’t get hit with an unpleasant surprise while out walking or enjoying the wooded or grassy areas of the reservoir.
Bicycles, scooters, roller skates and roller blades are allowed, but only on certain days. They are permitted on Sundays from opening until 11 a.m. an on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 until closing time.
There is no swimming in the water, as this 1.4 billion gallon reservoir is one of the Bay Area’s drinking water supply resources.Privately owned row boats, canoes, sailboats and kayaks are allowed. No motorized boats are permitted in the water. There is a place to rent paddle boats and row boats.
Fishing is allowed at Lafayette Reservoir for a $4.00 per day fee. There is also a bait shop. The water is kept stocked with a variety of fish that include trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, Sacramento perch, channel catfish, and white sturgeon amongst others.
Behind the visitors center is a natural garden that has more than 50 native plants. You can see what grows there naturally and learn a bit about the plants.
There is no overnight camping allowed at Lafayette Reservoir, but it is a wonderful place to escape into nature for a hot summer day. Whether you go by yourself, with family or some other group, the park is well worth the visit.
Lafayette Reservoir and recreation area is open 365 days a year. Cash or credit card is needed for all fees except picnic reservation and the annual parking pass. They will accept checks for those.
Lafayette Reservoir an amazing retreat that feeds the spirit. People seem to arrive and drop their bad moods at the parking lot. The reservoir is a visual and sensory delight. You can breath there and escape from the daily stress, even if it is just for a short while. It is certainly worth a visit on a hot summer day, or any day, during the year.
