Redwood Regional Park wilderness guide
Regional Park · CA

Redwood Regional Park

Redwood Regional Park is a verdant urban forest known for its towering coast redwoods, diverse wildlife, and extensive trail system offering hiking, biking, and nature experiences close to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Regional Park1,8304+ Trails

Designation

Regional Park

Total Wilderness Area

1,830

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Redwood Regional Park

Redwood Regional Park is a verdant urban forest known for its towering coast redwoods, diverse wildlife, and extensive trail system offering hiking, biking, and nature experiences close to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area, Redwood Regional Park spans steep valleys and ridges covered with some of the tallest coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) in the East Bay Hills. The park's geography includes narrow canyons, oak woodlands, chaparral, and riparian zones along Redwood Creek. It serves as one of the largest remaining natural stands of coast redwood in the East Bay and offers a cooler, shaded refuge for both flora and fauna. Established in 1934 and managed by the East Bay Regional Park District, it preserves forest land that was once logged heavily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The park is an accessible green space for residents and visitors, featuring over 40 miles of trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Notable features include the Redwood Creek, the Forest of Giants with towering redwoods up to 300 feet tall, and scenic spots such as Eagle Point. Wildlife includes black-tailed deer, bobcats, a variety of bird species, and occasional sightings of bobcats and coyotes. Educational programs and interpretive signage help visitors learn about the park’s ecology and history. Its proximity to urban centers like Oakland and Berkeley makes it a popular destination for outdoor recreation while providing an important natural habitat in an otherwise developed area. Redwood Regional Park stands out as a critically protected green space that supports biodiversity and offers quiet natural exploration just minutes outside a major metropolitan area.

Field Guide · Regional Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Redwood Regional Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Forest of Giants - Ancient coast redwoods reaching over 300 feet tall✦ Redwood Creek - A shaded riparian corridor supporting diverse wildlife✦ Eagle Point - Scenic overlook providing panoramic views of the East Bay✦ Stream Trail - Quiet trail following Redwood Creek with rich plant life
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Redwood Regional Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Redwood Regional Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Redwood Regional Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Redwood Regional Park
Park Recreation

Trail Running

Available in Redwood Regional Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Redwood Regional Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Redwood Regional Park
Park Recreation

Equestrian Riding

Available in Redwood Regional Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Redwood Regional Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access with parking fees charged at main parking lots; no permits required for day use.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Redwood Regional Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Orinda, California
⌖ 3.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Orinda, California

Orinda is a quiet East Bay town perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking and biking near scenic regional parks. It offers peaceful trails with great views and family-friendly spots just a short drive from the Bay Area.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Moraga, California
⌖ 3.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Moraga, California

Moraga is a quiet East Bay town with a friendly outdoor scene for hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking. Surrounded by Briones Regional Park, it offers peaceful trails and scenic views perfect for relaxed adventures year-round.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Oakland, California
⌖ 4.96 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Oakland, California

Oakland offers outdoor lovers a unique blend of bayfront paddling, redwood hikes, and urban biking. From peaceful trails to city shorelines, it’s a lively spot to explore nature alongside vibrant neighborhoods.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Berkeley, California
⌖ 5.23 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Berkeley, California

Berkeley is an adventure-ready town where outdoor enthusiasts can hike, bike, and paddle amid stunning landscapes. Its rich cultural vibe blends perfectly with access to picturesque trails and parks, making it a top destination for nature lovers.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Alameda, California
⌖ 5.48 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Alameda, California

Alameda, California, is a laid-back town with inviting beaches, calm bay waters, and flat bike paths perfect for outdoor lovers. Ideal for paddling, biking, and beach exploration, it offers easy access to San Francisco Bay views and coastal wildlife.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Lafayette, California
⌖ 5.51 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lafayette, California

Lafayette, California, offers outdoor lovers miles of scenic trails for hiking, biking, and running in beautiful East Bay open spaces. The Lafayette Reservoir area is perfect for picnics and wildlife viewing, making it a great year-round destination close to the Bay Area.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Redwood Regional Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.