YERBA BUENA ISLAND to TREASURE ISLAND < First time leading this hike.
Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Leader: Robert H!ckey | robert3327@gmail.com | 510.813.3406
Hike Rating: Level-3
Hike Mileage: 7.25 mi
Elevation Gain: 584'
Description: Yerba Buena Island (link) has had several other names over the decades: Sea Bird Island, Wood Island, and Goat Island. Historically the site of an Ohlone fishing village, later a military post originated during the American Civil War, the first U.S. Naval Training Station on the Pacific Coast, and currently home for the US Coast Guard, the island quietly anchors the SF-Oakland Bay Bridges.
Treasure Island (link), a man-made island built for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition, was also a base for Pan Am Airways flying boats, a planned second airport for San Francisco turned Naval station, little-known film stages and exciting future development. If you want to know more, come explore with me as we hike from one island to the other and back. Before returning to Yerba Buena Island, we will also have lunch along the water with an amazing view of SF and spend a little time at the
Treasure Island Museum (link).
Bring / Wear: Bring water, good hiking or walking shoes, hat, sunscreen and lunch.
Did you know we have sfhiking.com t-shirts available? Click on the [Store] menu above.
Rain Policy: Hike may be cancelled if heavy rain.
Dogs: Woof, yes! 
TRAILHEAD MEETING LOCATION:
We'll meet at the Bimla Rhinehart Vista Point (map) below the bridge, left of the US Coast Guard station. After parking, walk to the end of the parking lot and towards the water. We'll meet on the pier.
Trailhead Meeting Time: 9:30 AM (don't miss the hike, arrive early).
If you are not a member you can: 1) Become a member by clicking on the [Join] menu 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...
- San Francisco Meeting Location: Whole Foods (map) @ 2001 Market Street. Meet on the Dolores Street side. There's parking on the street or below the building.
Meeting Time: 9:10 AM (don't miss your ride, arrive early).
- East Bay Meeting Location: Rockridge BART station (map). Meet at the bottom of the escalators. There's free and ample parking.
Meeting Time: 9:10 AM (don't miss your ride, arrive early).
- East Bay (alternate) Meeting Location: West Oakland BART station (map). Meet out in the parking lot towards 5th Street (...if you are taking BART, turn left as you exit the turnstiles). There's free and ample parking. Note: This is a special pick-up location that might be offered by individual drivers.
Meeting Time: 9:15 AM (don't miss your ride, arrive early).
While there are no guarantees, to better facilitate carpool arrangements for yourself and others, please register and indicate your desire for a ride (or offer to drive) by Thursday, 3:00 PM. If you have not been contacted by Noon the next day, please reach out to the hikeleader.
Riders wishing to pay with Venmo, PayPal or something other than cash, please contact the hikeleader prior to arriving at the trailhead to see if this is an option (see Carpool Fees below). Do not show up at a meeting location if you have not been confirmed a rider (or driver) ahead of time.
Total Driving Distance (round trip):
12 miles (San Francisco)
18 miles (East Bay)
Carpool Fees (per passenger):
$2 (San Francisco)
$5 (East Bay)*
*Includes bridge toll.
Level-1
|
Level-2
|
Level-3 |
Level-4 |
Level-5 |
|
easiest
< 5 miles
< 500' gain
|
moderately easy
5-7 miles
< 1000' gain |
moderate
7-9 miles
< 1500' gain
|
strenuous
9-12 miles
< 2000' gain
|
very strenuous
12-15+ miles
>2000' gain |
