NILES MAIN STREET to QUARRY LAKES

NILES MAIN STREET to QUARRY LAKES

Hike Date:  Saturday, August 9, 2025

Leader:  Robert H!ckey

Leader Email:  robert3327@gmail.com

Leader Phone:  510.813.3406

Hike Rating:  Level-2

Hike Mileage:  6.8 miles

Elevation Gain:  0' (basically flat)

Description:  This easy and quirky hike starts in Niles, a cute and somewhat little-known historic district in what is now part of Fremont.  Beginning from picturesque main street (aka Niles Blvd), we'll find our way to Alameda Creek and snake down to Quarry Lakes Recreation Area.  In the past, the quarry was used in construction of the transcontinental railroad's western section, and currently serves an important role in harboring migratory birds. Thanks to restoration projects in the park, the area has attracted wood ducks, great blue herons, snowy egrets, and other water birds.  At Quarry Lakes, we'll turn around and head back to enjoy lunch at Niles Town Plaza (where we started), next to the Niles Depot Museum (railroad museum)...and not far from the boarding area for the festive Train of Lights that runs every Nov/Dec (amongst other events).  After lunch, everyone is free to explore Niles on their own, where you can find interesting shops like Your Next Brick Idea (Lego museum and shop), The Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum and various antique shops.  (Map of our hike).

Note:  You could hike Alameda Creek all the way down to Coyote Hills Regional Park, another 6.3 miles (one-way).  But that would be another hike for another day, a Level-5 hike.

Bring / Wear:  Bring water, comfortable walking shoes, hat and sunscreen, and lunch.

Rain Policy:  Hike will be cancelled if rain.

Dogs:  Woof, yes!  

 We'll meet at Niles Town Plaza (map).  Parking can be found just a couple of blocks south, near and around the intersection of 2nd and H Streets.

Trailhead Meeting Time:  9:30 AM  (don't miss the hike, arrive early).

Note:  If you are not a member you can:  1) Become a member by clicking on [Join] above and then register for the hike or 2) Contact me so that I know that you would like to be part of the hike.

Interested in carpooling?  If so, here are the options...

• SF Carpooling Location:  Whole Foods (map) @ 2001 Market Street.  Meet on the Dolores Street side.  There's parking on the street or below the building.

SF Meeting Time:  8:30 AM  (don't miss the hike, arrive early).

• East Bay Carpooling Location:  Rockridge BART station (map).  Meet at the bottom of the escalators.  There's free and ample parking.

East Bay Meeting Time:  8:45 AM  (don't miss the hike, arrive early).

Note:  Please only show up at Whole Foods or the Rockridge BART station if you have arranged a ride ahead of time (see Carpool Fees below).

Total Driving Distance (round trip): 

  71 miles (SF)

  55 miles (Rockridge BART)

Carpool Fees (per passenger): 

  $10* (SF)

  $ 7 (Rockridge BART)

*Includes bridge toll.

Note:  I'll reach out to those registered who have indicated that they need a ride or can take passengers.  If you want to contact me for whatever reason, please do so before Friday @ 3:00 PM the day before the hike.