NILES MAIN STREET to QUARRY LAKES LOOP

NILES MAIN STREET to QUARRY LAKES LOOP

Hike Date:  Saturday, May 2, 2026

Leader:  Robert H!ckey

Leader Email:  robert3327@gmail.com

Leader Phone:  510.813.3406

Hike Rating:  Level-2

Hike Mileage:  6.8 miles

Elevation Gain:  0' (basically flat)

Description:  I first did this hike last year in the heat of August (...the weather should be much more pleasant this time around).  An easy and quirky hike, we start in Niles, a cute, little-known historic district in what is now part of Fremont.  Beginning from picturesque main street (aka Niles Blvd), we'll find our way to Alameda Creek and snake down to the Quarry Lakes Recreation Area.  In the past, the quarry was used in construction of the transcontinental railroad's western section and currently serves an important role in harboring migratory birds. Thanks to restoration projects in the park, the area has attracted wood ducks, great blue herons, snowy egrets, and other water birds (...and Chinook Salmon have been seen swimming upstream to spawn for the first time in three decades).  At Quarry Lakes, we'll turn around and head back to enjoy lunch at Niles Town Plaza (where we started), next to the Niles Depot Museum (railroad museum).  After lunch, everyone is free to explore Niles on their own, where you can find interesting shops like Your Next Brick Idea (Lego museum and shop), The Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum and various antique shops.  (Map of our hike).

Bring / Wear:  Bring water, comfortable walking shoes, hat and sunscreen, and lunch.

Rain Policy:  Hike will be cancelled if rain.

Dogs:  Woof, yes!  

 We'll meet at Niles Town Plaza (map).  Parking can be found just a couple of blocks south, near and around the intersection of 2nd and H Streets.

Trailhead Meeting Time:  9:30 AM  (don't miss the hike, arrive early).

Note:  If you are not a member you can:  1) Become a member by clicking on [Join] 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 Carpooling 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:  8:30 AM  (don't miss the hike, arrive early).

• East Bay Carpooling Location:  Rockridge BART station (map).  Meet at the bottom of the escalators.  There's free and ample parking.

Meeting Time:  8:45 AM  (don't miss the hike, 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): 

  71 miles (San Francisco)

  55 miles (East Bay)

Carpool Fees (per passenger): 

  $10* (San Francisco)

  $7 (East Bay)

*Includes bridge toll.