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Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Hno3 assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
This is an awesome little park, with plenty of outdoor activities. You can walk the three mile paved trail that closely follows the shore of the lake, or you can brave the six mile dirt trail that climbs up and down the hills which form a bowl around the reservoir. Although swimming is not permitted, there is a place to rent paddleboats, which can hold four people, and are a great way to chase the ducks around! The reservoir is also a great place to spend a nice afternoon fishing or having a picnic -- there are plenty of tables, and even some great little secluded ones! Be aware, however, that at times it feels like everyone in the East Bay has decided to get their nature fix at the same time. Parking is metered and closely monitored, so bring quarters.
The Lafayette Reservoir is an open-cut human-made terminal water storage reservoir owned and operated by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). Completed in 1933, it was intended solely as a standby water supply for EBMUD customers. EBMUD opened the reservoir for public recreation in 1966. It is located off California State Route 24 and a mile from the Lafayette BART station, in Contra Costa County, California, United States. This all-year, day-use area is ideal for hiking, jogging, fishing, boating and picnicking. The reservoir is on the Lafayette-Orinda border. The reservoir is on a 925-acre (3.74 km2) site and holds 1.4 billion US gallons (5,300,000 m3)
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