Don Castro - Five Canyon Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

A lake, swim lagoon, variety of birds, eucalyptus trees, and more await along this hike. Expect rolling hills with breathtaking views of the Bay Area.

This hike starts on the Whispering Creek Trail and goes through green rolling hills, cow pastures, paved roads, picnic areas, and woods. The end of the hike winds past the lagoon and lake where you'll see a variety of birds.

Expect to cross several pedestrian bridges along the hike. A short hike on the road will get you to Five Canyons. The views of the Bay Area at the top of the ridge are unique. You can see the bay and backyards of beautiful homes. The streams and lake area made this hike very pleasant.

It is a great spot to enjoy a swim and picnic after a hike. This hike is best in the morning before it gets hot.

The downside to this area is the highway noise!

Eucalyptus, bay, wild turkey, cormorant, barn swallows, trout, bass, catfish, and bluegill can all be found here.

In 1964, the Alameda Flood Control and Water Conservation District dammed San Lorenzo Creek to create the bodies of water in this area.