BAY Dan Herron Jersey AREA LAKES
Four of the Bay Area's top five lakes are in the East Bay foothills, and the fifth is in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Glaring is the lack of a single lake with boating access in Marin or the San Francisco Peninsula, even with eight lakes in Marin and four on the Peninsula.1. Del Valle ReservoirLocation: 10 miles southwest of Livermore.Synopsis: Del Valle is a long, narrow lake with 16 miles of shoreline abutting the Ohlone Regional Wilderness to the west. The lake is very pretty, full, settling and clearing. A new concessionaire is a hit and daily operations will be established by Memorial Day Weekend (marina now closed Mondays and Tuesdays).Rentals/ramp: Fishing boats (two types) with motors, rowboats, patio boats, paddleboats and canoes. Paved boat ramp with dock. 10 mph speed limit.Cost: $6 day use. Typical rental: for canoe, $10 for first hour, then $7 per hour, $50 deposit.2. Lake MerrittSynopsis: Lake Merritt is the best city lake in the Bay Area for boating. It is the featured getaway for sailboat rentals and lessons. It's located minutes from Interstate 580 and is the centerpiece of a park good for jogging, fitness and picnics.Rentals/ramp: Three types of sailboats, canoes, kayaks and paddleboats. Small boat ramp available for hand powered boats.Cost: $3 day use on weekends. Free for walk ins. Typical rental: El Toro dinghy, $8 per hour, plus $10 deposit.3. Lake ChabotLocation: near San Leandro.Synopsis: Chabot is gorgeous this spring. The lake has been full for months and is now settling, the hills are green, wildflowers are blooming and the coves and island are inviting for boaters, birds and fish. Setting is idyllic for canoeists exploring hidden coves.Rentals/ramp: Boats Ahmad Bradshaw Jersey with electric motors, row boats, paddleboats, canoes. No gas motors. No boat ramp for trailered boats. Canoes/kayaks must be carried about 100 yards from the parking lot.