In brief:
One mile loop walk through park near Point Richmond.

Distance, category, and difficulty:
This 1 mile loop walk is easy. The paved path is perfectly flat.

Exposure:
Some pockets of shade, otherwise exposed.

Trail traffic:
Moderate.

Trail surface:
Paved trail.

Walking time:
1/2 hour or less.

Season:
Any time is nice.

Getting there:
From Interstate 580 in Contra Costa County, exit Canal/Garrard (exit 8). Drive south on Canal (if you've exited westbound, turn left at the base of the ramp; if you've exited eastbound, turn right at the base of the ramp), one block to West Cutting. Turn right and drive to the first stop sign, then turn left onto South Garrard. Proceed through the tunnel, and then drive (you'll now be on Dornan Drive) about 0.3 mile more to the first park entrance on the right side of the road.

GPS Coordinates for Trailhead:
Latitude 37.9166°
Longitude -122.384°

Gas, food, and lodging:
Pay phones, gas, stores, and restaurants about 0.6 mile to the northwest in Point Richmond. No camping.

Trailhead details:
No parking or entrance fees. Lots of parking. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms and drinking water available in several locations throughout the park. The park has several handicapped-designated parking spots, and the park's western area, around the lagoon, is highly wheelchair-accessible. There is no direct public transportation to the park, but AC Transit bus #73 will drop you within walking distance: visit the Transit Info website for details.

Rules:
Trails are multi-use. Dogs are permitted. Park is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Official Story:
EBRPD's Miller/Knox page
EBRPD's Miller/Knox brochure (pdf)
Park Office 510-235-1631

Map Choices:
• Use AAA's San Francisco Bay Region (or better still, West Contra Costa Communities) map to get there.
• Map from EBRPD

• View photos from this walk.

Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline's pretty lagoon area is the scenic setting for a short brisk walk or a day-long family get together. With picnic areas, restrooms, easy parking, and a playground, families should consider adding this small park to their outdoor repertoire. Folks with strollers or wheelchairs who want a bit of easy exercise while enjoying views of Mount Tamalpais, Point Richmond, and San Francisco Bay can make the 1-mile circuit on the paved path around the lagoon. The well-manicured grounds boost a mixture of native and non-native trees, and you're sure to see plenty of ducks, geese, seagulls, and squirrels frolicking through the grass and near the water. When I visited, I watched a feisty squirrel steal a 4-inch hunk of baguette from a raven. The result was a comical chase with lots of squawking, scampering, and flapping. Ah, nature in the big city....
     When you schedule a day-long visit, keep in mind that it can get windy so close to the water, and bring layers of clothing.
     If the 1-mile loop doesn't get your blood pumping, you can cross the street and roam the hills on a series of hiking-only paths (not suitable for young children or anyone who has a problem climbing). Learn more about the eastern section of Miller/Knox at http://www.bahiker.com/eastbayhikes/millerknox.html.

Total distance: around 1 mile
Last walked: Tuesday, February 13, 2001

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