Lake Chabot Regional Park sprawls across 315 acres in Castro Valley with over 20 miles of trails that range from easy lakeside walks to longer day hikes through rolling hills. The lake itself is off-limits for swimming, but that doesn’t diminish what makes this East Bay Regional Parks gem worth the drive.

The paved West Shore and East Shore trails hug the lake’s perimeter and work well for dogs who prefer staying on level ground without much elevation change. These are straightforward out-and-back routes where you’ll pass fishing piers and get decent views of the surrounding hills. If your dog can handle more distance, the 12.42-mile Lake Chabot bicycle loop via the Live Oak Trail lets you do a full circuit, though you’ll want to stick to wider paths since narrow single-track sections are foot traffic only.

For a real workout, there are steeper trails that climb away from the water and into the oak woodlands. The terrain gets rockier on these routes, so paws and paw pads matter. Bring enough water for both of you—the park doesn’t have much shade in spots, especially on the exposed sections near the lake.

Fishing is huge here. The lake is stocked with trout and catfish, and multiple piers give you access without needing a boat. Your dog can hang out while you fish, though wildlife does show up, so keeping your dog leashed is important for everyone’s safety.

The park can get busy on weekends, particularly around the boat launch area. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter. Weather-wise, it’s usually pleasant in spring and fall, but summer heat can be intense and winter rain sometimes closes trails temporarily.

Call ahead to confirm current leash regulations and whether there are any pet fees. Dogs should be under control at all times, especially around the fishing areas where other visitors congregate.