Temescal Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming

You'll make two scenic loops around the lake on this hike.

Swimming and fishing are often closed due to algae, so check the webpage.

Using this hike, you can hike every trail in the park in one visit. The area is great for picnics, fishing, swimming, and birdwatching.

For the first loop around the lake use the inner West Shore Trail heading southeast. Loop around the east shore of the lake to join the East Shore Trail. On the next loop around use the outer Oak Bay Trail then follow the East Shore Trail back to the parking lot.

There are some nice places to stop along this route, however, don't expect much seclusion. This is a popular urban park near the highway. It may be lovely, but it is certainly not remote.

Redwoods, blackberries, iris, oaks, and French broom grow here.

Temescal Lake opened to public use in 1936. Built for housing drinking water, the park was eventually updated in 1940 by Works Progress Administration crews with a beautiful stone building.