Top 18 Lakes around Concord

Several lakes around Concord are ideal for families. Contra Loma Reservoir in Contra Loma Regional Park offers a lifeguarded swim lagoon in summer and year-round fishing. Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area provides a paved trail, boat rentals, and picnic areas. Heather Farm Park features two lakes, community gardens, and play areas. Ellis Lake Park also has a paved path and children's play areas, making it a pleasant spot for a casual family outing.

Yes, there are many excellent hiking opportunities. Contra Loma Reservoir has a 3.25-mile flat loop trail, plus more challenging hillside trails. Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area features a popular 2.7-mile paved trail around the reservoir. For more extensive hiking, Briones Reservoir offers a 14-mile loop trail (Bear Creek and Oursan Trails), though a permit is required from EBMUD. You can also explore various routes like the Ohlone and Crystal Ranch Trail Loop or the Contra Costa and Ygnacio Canal Trails Loop, which are part of the MTB Trails around Concord guide.

For summer swimming, Contra Loma Reservoir in Contra Loma Regional Park is a great choice, offering a lifeguarded swim lagoon. Lafayette Reservoir also allows swimming in designated areas, though it's primarily known for boating and fishing.

Yes, some lakes are dog-friendly. Contra Loma Reservoir and Heather Farm Park are noted as dog-friendly. At Briones Reservoir, dogs are permitted on the Oursan Trail segment when leashed. Always check specific park regulations before visiting.

The lakes are rich in wildlife. Contra Loma Regional Park is known for its diverse waterfowl, raptors, and other animals, with over 300 species cataloged. Lafayette Reservoir provides habitat for deer, birds, and small mammals. Ellis Lake Park is home to various waterfowl and turtles. Martinez Regional Shoreline is also an excellent location for birdwatching.

Yes, there are accessible options. The 2.7-mile paved trail around Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area is popular for walking and jogging and is generally considered accessible. Ellis Lake Park also features a paved path around the lake, suitable for a casual stroll.

The best time to visit depends on your activity. Many lakes, like Contra Loma Reservoir and Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area, are open year-round for activities like fishing and hiking. For swimming, summer is ideal. If you want to see Twin Ponds with water, visit during winter, spring, or autumn, as they tend to dry out by late summer and fall.

Beyond hiking, you can enjoy various activities. Fishing is popular at Contra Loma Reservoir (stocked with catfish, bass, trout) and Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area (rainbow trout, largemouth bass). Boating is permitted at Contra Loma (electric motorboats) and Lafayette (kayaks, pedal boats, rowboats for rent). Biking is also popular on trails around Contra Loma and Lafayette. For more specific routes, check out the Cycling around Concord guide or the Running Trails around Concord guide.

Within Concord, you can find smaller, more localized options. Lakeview Concord Pond is known among anglers for fishing Largemouth bass, Bluegill, and Black crappie. Ellis Lake Park, while small, offers a pleasant setting with a paved path, play areas, and various waterfowl.

Boating rules vary by lake. At Contra Loma Reservoir, electric motorboats are the only type of motorized craft allowed. Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area offers rentals for kayaks, pedal boats, and rowboats. Briones Reservoir generally does not permit boating due to its primary use as a potable water source. Always check with the specific park authority for current regulations.

For trails around Briones Reservoir, such as the Bear Creek Trail and Oursan Trail, a trail use permit from EBMUD is required. It's always best to check the official websites of the East Bay Regional Park District or EBMUD for the most up-to-date permit information and regulations before your visit. For example, you can find information about Contra Loma Regional Park on the nps.gov website: Contra Loma Map.