Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area
Walks & Water Sports in Fremont, CA
The gravel from Quarry Lakes was used during the late 1800s to construct the transcontinental railroad railbeds. Now these old gravel pits are part of a 471 acre regional park, 350 acres of which are water. Rainbow Lake and Horseshoe Lake, comprising about 225 acres are open for fishing (with license and daily permit), swimming, boating (no gas engines), and nature walks. Willow Slough and Lake Lago Los Osos are wildlife viewing areas. See map below.
There are several trails (see trail map) around the quarry lakes for hiking, biking and equestrian use. Dogs are welcome (on leash). The Alameda Creek Trails and Niles Community Park are adjacent as well.
It costs $5 (plus a $2 fee for dogs) at the Main Park Entrance to get to parking inside the park near swimming and picnic areas. Or, you can park for free at the Isherwood Staging Area, at the NE corner of Paseo Padre & Isherwood Way, and walk about a half mile along the Alameda Creek Trail to get to the Main Park Entrance. We usually walk over on the Alameda Creek trail from Niles Community Park.
Notes
- The water in Quarry Lakes is diverted from Alameda Creek and eventually percolates into the Niles Cone Ground Water Basin. Niles Cone supplies up to half the water used by Fremont, Newark and Union City.
- The gravel from Quarry Lakes was used during the 1800s to construct the transcontinental railroad railbeds.
phone: (510) 795-2267
hours: The hours depend on the season. May through Labor Day is 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call for more information.
links: website, trail map (click to enlarge), yelp
Related Pages:
- Old Town Niles, CA, Things To Do and Map – Quick guides to the best things to do in Niles.
- SF East Bay Map of Best Things To Do
- Top of page and Home Page
