Badger Cove

This bay marks the central section of Lake Del Valle. A creek flows into the northern part of the bay and a peninsula cuts into the bay's southern end. Although Swallow Bay seems to be closer to the northern end of Lake Del Valle when it is viewed on a map, the bay is best accessed from the southeastern Del Valle staging area.

This section of the East Shore Trail begins at the marina in the southern part of Del Valle Regional Park and makes its way along the eastern shore of the lake to Badger Cove and Swallow Bay. The trail begins to become quieter when it narrows near Badger Cove and follows the slope of an oak-covered ridge. It then passes Badger Cove and continues to the nearby Swallow Bay. Although this section of the trail is about two miles, the East Shore Trail continues for another few miles from here to the northern Arroyo Entrance to the Del Valle Park.

There is a trail network in southeastern Del Valle that leads from the East Shore Trail into the ridges above it. The East Ridge parking lot (at the ridgetop, along Del Valle Road) and the marina are both staging areas near this trail network, and several of the turn-offs along the southern section of the East Shore Trail lead upwards towards the East Ridge. Cutting into the ridge are several canyons that the eastern trails pass through, including Hidden Canyon. This region of the park is good for those who want a taste of Diablo Range cowboy country.

Only the southern portion of Del Valle's western shore has any trails, but once you get away from the swimming section and the Rocky Ridge Visitor Center, the western shore trail is peaceful and gives you a better understanding of the flora and fauna of southern Del Valle Reservoir - which is different from the areas to the north of it. This section of the West Shore Trail is called the Deer Jaw Trail and goes north from the Rocky Ridge Visitor Center, along the shore of the lake, to a canyon. The trail is about one mile long.

The public may rent motorboats, patio boats, pedal boats, and canoes at the East Beach marina area. Kayaks can be rented at the Kayak Center at the east beach. Any size boat may be launched at the public boat ramp.

The northern end of Lake Del Valle, some of which is known as Heron Bay, is the widest and most impressive part of the lake. Heron Bay is more than half a mile wide and half a mile long and is a popular destination on boat tours and other boat excursions. Part of the East Shore Trail goes around Heron Bay, and viewing this bay is one of the most scenic views in Del Valle Regional Park.