Kick-start your holiday adventures by exploring the local 
outdoors with your family members and friends of all ages during the holiday season. The Lafayette Reservoir is a great place to get outside and allow the family to see local nature and wildlife without making a long trek. Conveniently located right off Highway 24 between Berkeley and Walnut Creek, the expansive lake and surrounding areas provides ample opportunities to explore the outdoors.
Top 6 activities to try at the Reservoir this holiday season:
1. Hike: There is no better way to soak up the beauty of the Reservoir than by walking around it! The trail is a paved 3 mile loop. The walk provides scenic views and varying hills. If your family is more adventurous try the 5 mile rim trail. Add more excitement to your family hike with geocaching! Geocaching is essentially a GPS based treasure hunt. You can participate using a GPS receiver or a cellphone that has a geocache app. There are several geocache locations around the Reservoir.
2. Fish: The reservoir has fifteen docks scattered around the water’s perimeter. You will need your own poles and a fishing permit from the rangers station, but it provides another great way to appreciate the wildlife and geography of the reservoir. Fish aren’t the only creatures at the Reservoir; keep an eye out for turtles, deer, turkeys, gophers, egrets, and more!
3. Row: Boat rentals occur daily at the Res! Both paddle boats and row boats are available to families. You can even bring your own boat to launch! It’s a great way to explore the still waters of the reservoir and provide a new exciting experience for family and friends!
4. Picnic: Host a gathering in the outdoors! From small family picnics to your annual family reunions the reservoir can handle it all. Barbecues and picnic tables are available for use on a first-come-first serve basis. If your party attendance is a little larger you can rent either a small or large picnic area to reserve a space. Don’t forget about the recently added stage that adds to convenience and fun of hosting a gathering at the reservoir.
5. Play: The Lafayette Reservoir has several different areas that allow for families of all kinds to come enjoy the outdoors, whether your family wants to put together a soccer game or just bring the kids to run around the reservoir is a great option. They’ve got a fun-filled playground too!
6. Holiday Fun: See the ornaments on the Lafayette Reservoir plum tree while hiking around the Lafayette Reservoir trail! A long standing tradition for those who frequent this scenic walking path, the tree is stationed about two-thirds of a mile into the trail when entering on the east end of the reservoir parking lot. Stop by and see the tree and contribute your own ornament too! It’s sure to be a fun surprise for those who have never heard of the wonderful tree.
Click Here to learn how to begin your exploration!
Exploring the Lafayette Reservoir is just one of the many great ways you can enjoy your time together during the hildays! Looking for more? Check out 15 great activities in the Bay Area on the Red Tricycle Blog.
