Name: Temescal Loop
Rating: 4.5

“This is an easy lakeside run.”

— Wendy Wheeler

GPX File

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming

Dogs can not go into the lake.

Overview

You'll make two scenic loops around the lake on this run.

Need to Know

Swimming and fishing are often closed due to algae, so check the webpage.

Runner Notes

This is quite busy on the weekends, so run early.

Description

Using this run, you can run every trail in the park in one visit. The area is great for picnics, fishing, swimming, and birdwatching.

For the first loop around the lake use the inner West Shore Trail heading southeast. Loop around the east shore of the lake to join the East Shore Trail. On the next loop around use the outer Oak Bay Trail then follow the East Shore Trail back to the parking lot.

There are some nice places to stop along this route, however, don't expect much seclusion. This is a popular urban park near the highway. It may be lovely, but it is certainly not remote.

Flora & Fauna

Redwoods, blackberries, iris, oaks, and French broom grow here.

History & Background

Temescal Lake opened to public use in 1936. Built for housing drinking water, the park was eventually updated in 1940 by Works Progress Administration crews with a beautiful stone building.