Accessible Path: Yes (paved pathway)
Mileage: 1.5Mile Loop
Along the Northern end of San Francisco Bay is the city Richmond, a place know for its industrial heritage. The city is home to the Bay Area's oldest refinery, the third largest port in California, a major railroad terminus and at one time an assembly plant for the Ford Motor Company. More famously, its shipyards and the Rosies who worked within them turned out more than three ships per day during World War II. With its history of industry and commerce, and neighborhoods with names like the Iron Triangle and Brickyard Cove, it's easy to forget that Richmond lies along the shores of the stunningly beautiful San Francisco Bay.
Staying true to the city's industrial past and present, Miller Knox Regional Shoreline is located on the former site of the end of the line of the Santa Fe Railroad's transcontinental railroad. After passengers and cargo disembarked the train, they then boarded a ferry bound for San Francisco. The ferry pier remains just offshore, reminding people of the park's commercial past.
To enjoy the shoreline, head through the Point Richmond tunnel, onto Dornan Drive and into the park. Dornan ends at one of the park's parking lots, which is a great place to start your journey. From the parking lot, follow the paved pathway and make your way toward the pier. The view quickly opens up to the bay, with Mt. Tamalpais looming large across the water. On a clear day, the hills of San Francisco stand guard along the Golden Gate; other times, fog spills through the mouth of the bay, engulfing the City's buildings, Alcatraz and Angel Island, leaving only the top of Sutro Tower to enjoy the sun.
As you stop to enjoy the view from the ferry pier, a pair of abandoned buildings stand to the right. They once served passengers and freight at the end of the rail line and now they serve as a canvas for local artists. If you're able to traverse it, a compacted gravel pathway leads you along the shore, quickly meeting back up with paved pathway. If not, return on the pathway, continuing to the left before you reach the parking lot.
You'll quickly notice that the bay is not the only water featured in the park; a long narrow pond running north / south provides a respite for our avian friends, and a background for barbecues and family gatherings for us. The pathway leads you between the two water features, offering views of the Richmond / San Rafael Bridge. As you reach the northern end of the pond, rail tracks provide yet another reminder of the park's industrial past. Follow the pathway around to the right, hugging the shoreline of the pond.
As you walk along the eastern shore of the pond, you'll notice a long, yellow building nestled at the bottom of the hill. Inside this train depot-like building is the Golden State Model Railroad Museum. If you have the time, you can explore more than 1,100 square feet of various scaled models of local, state and regional rail systems, including Niles Canyon, the Tehachapi Loop and Donner Canyon.
Soon the pathway will complete its loop around the pond. Follow the pavement back toward the parking area and enjoy the return views of San Francisco Bay as you complete your walk.
Comments