About The Park
A hidden redwood forest lies off Redwood Road just a few miles over the ridge from downtown Oakland. The forest's peaceful groves give little evidence of the park's bustling past – in the mid-1800s the area was the scene of extensive logging to supply building materials for the San Francisco Bay Area. The logging era has long since passed, and a stately forest of 150-foot coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) has replaced those cut down.
Park Features
In addition to a great forest of coast redwoods, the park's 1,830 acres also contain other evergreens, chaparral, and grasslands. Wildlife within the park includes rare species such as the golden eagle and Alameda striped racer. Deer, raccoons, rabbits, and squirrels are often seen.
The naming of the rainbow trout species was based on fish taken from the San Leandro Creek drainage, which includes Redwood Creek. Trout seen in the creek today are descendants of that pure strain. Historical Landmark #970 is located at the fishway interpretive site a short distance inside the park's Redwood Gate park entrance off Redwood Road. The fishway was constructed at the creek in this area to help the trout reach their upstream spawning grounds.
Park Activities
Redwood offers four reserveable picnic sites for groups ranging in size from 50 to 150. Some are in secluded glades and others in open, grassy areas; telephone 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2. The picnic sites are accessible to persons with disabilities. There is a children's play structure about one-quarter mile down Stream Trail from the Canyon Meadow staging area.
Several group overnight camping areas are located within the park. They are available by reservation only; telephone 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2, for information. Hiking, jogging, and horseback riding are popular on the park's nearly 40 miles of trails. The East Bay Skyline National Trail and Bay Area Ridge Trail traverses Redwood for part of its 31-mile course.
Please note that fishing is not allowed in the park.