Accessible Trail: Yes (paved asphalt & concrete )
Mileage: 3.5 mile loop
Lake Merritt, just east of downtown, is often referred to as the Heart of Oakland. While this is least partially attributed to the shape of the tidal lagoon, Lake Merritt is central to the vibrancy of Oakland; on any given day you'll find people having a lakeside barbecue, wandering the botanical gardens, or enjoying a jog along the shore.
The lake was originally an arm of San Francisco Bay, with several creeks emptying into the area creating a large estuary, As the population of the area grew, the 600' tidal outlet was steadily reduced for flood control purposes. For many years, the lake was used as waste disposal site, creating a unbearable stench for residence of the surrounding area. Finally, in 1869, Dr. Samuel Merritt could take no more and proposed cleaning up the area and turning the lake into a source of civic pride. Dr. Merritt's proposal rapidly gained support and in 1870 the California legislature established the Lake Merritt Wildlife Refuge, the first such refuge in North America. Today more than 70 species of birds call the lake home.
A great place to start your trip around the lake is at the Boating Center. As you make your way to the paved pathway at the southwestern corner of the parking area, recreational boaters and kayakers may be headed out for a row. Follow the pathway slightly uphill. As the pathway leads you back downhill, an octagonal bandstand presides over a sandy beach. The Edoff Memorial Bandstand was constructed in 1918 and is named for Oakland's first Parks Commissioner, James P. Edoff. The bandstand is home to the Oakland Municipal Band, where they perform on weekends during the summertime.
Continue past the bandstand, following the pathway as it bends to the right. Across the lake, on the corner of Harrison and Grand, is the home of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Oakland, the Cathedral of Christ the Light. This beautiful building rises above the shore of the lake; a beacon of wood, glass and light.
As your eye returns to the pathway, on your right will be a colorful sign planted on the grassy hillside letting you know what lies beyond the crest of the hill: Children's Fairyland. This storybook theme park has been welcoming children for more than 60 years. While younger children enjoy the attractions inside the park, the hill that houses its sign is a popular picnic area for people of all ages.
Follow the pathway around this arm of the lake, enjoying the fountain and the various bird species enjoying the water. In time you'll come upon another building jutting out into the lake. The Lake Chalet Restaurant and the Lake Merritt Boathouse, home of the Lake Merritt Rowing Club. Just beyond the Boathouse is the Camron-Stanford House, the last of the 19th century Victorian houses that once lined the lake. Tours of this former home of the first museum in Oakland are offered on Sundays throughout the year.
You'll soon find yourself at the outdoor amphitheater at the southern-most point and about halfway around the lake. Be sure to admire the view across the water as the shore of the lake gives rise to the Oakland Hills beyond. You'll quickly cross over a bridge, and the inlet leading to the bay. As you step off the bridge, keep to the left to stay lakeside. This stretch of the trail offers great views of downtown, especially from the 18th Street Pier. This recently restored piece of architectural beauty doesn't stick out very far into the water, but nonetheless it offers great views and a great place to take a break.
Once you've enjoyed the view from the pier, continue on your journey. You may quickly find another one of your senses enjoying this section of the pathway. The flat grassy area is a popular place to barbecue and food trucks can often be found parked on the street. As you make your way through the sights and smells, you'll see another architectural delight up ahead: The Lake Merritt Pergola. Built in 1913, the colonnaded pergola welcomes you to the east end of the lake, leading you another grassy area great for barbecuing. While your view is constantly being drawn over the water, be sure to look down as you walk through the pergola. A beautiful oak tree mosaic sits in the middle, with the inscription 'For A More Beautiful Oakland.'
As you turn this corner and start making your way back toward the boating center, you'll notice a few small islands sitting just off shore. The islands have the spirit of the park's wildlife refuge roots. They are favorites of birds and you'll have an opportunity to see many different species swimming between them. Canadian Geese, Pelicans, Cormorants and Black-Crowned Night Herons are all commonly found here. Continue past the bird sanctuary and your starting point will soon come into view.
If you're still in the mood for exploring after your 3.5 mile journey, head across Bellevue Ave and take a stroll through the garden center. It's seven acres of beautiful grounds are a great place to explore many different garden ecosystems, from native Bay Area plants to Japanese and Bonsai gardens.
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