West Ridge Trail

The Redwood Regional Park is situated in the East Bay city of Oakland. Step inside this park and enjoy respite from the fast paced living that surrounds it. While there are several different trails and loops to choose from, the West Ridge Trail is one hike your pup won’t want to pass up.

The West Ridge Trail runs through a thick forest that will delight all your dog’s senses. If starting from Skyline Gate Staging Area, be prepared for a steep incline right off the bat. Once up the hill, your pooch will love trotting through the majestic redwoods, not to mention the eucalyptus, pine, and unique madrone trees. The trail is also lined with elderberry, honeysuckle, and blackberry bushes, and leads you along the rim of a small canyon with pawsome views of a wooded ravine. If the sky is clear and void of the infamous San Francisco fog, enjoy views of the Bay Area and Mount Diablo. If your four legged hiking buddy needs more mileage, continue your hike on the East Ridge Trail. Combined with West Ridge Trail, it makes an eight mile loop. There are also several shorter trails that veer off the main West Ridge Trail.

A parking fee of $5.00 is collected only on the weekends and major holidays between April and October. A $2.00 fee per dog is also charged during the same time periods. Group picnic and camping sites are available within the park, so if you are traveling with the whole pack, make a reservation and stick around for dinner or even overnight. You’ll also find restrooms and drinking water throughout the park. Be sure to fill up your water bottles before setting off, your pup is bound to get thirsty while hiking. A hike on West Ridge Trail will definitely make your dog one happy hound!