Super Rewarding South Bay Recreation Spot!
Unless you are looking at a map, researching a county park or kayak spot, you may never know this park and gorgeous lake exists. Anderson Dam was built in 1950 creating a wonderful recreational lake and park area nestled in the hills above eastern Morgan Hill, CA.
The park is easy to get to from Hwy 101 in Morgan Hill, CA. The entrance to the park takes you up and over the south edge of the dam where you'll be greeted by beautiful views of the lake to the left and significant parking and other use facilities to the right. At the gate they'll collect use fees and if you haven't been in the past 5 years they'll also direct you to have an inspection. In this case, queue up in the inspection line on the right side of the trailer lot. Use the rest rooms in the parking lot if needed then head down the significant launch ramp to the docks below. The dock facility and boat ramp is well kept and safe. Unload on the far right to stay out of motor boat docking zones. Then head back up to park your vehicle in the appropriate lot noting the non trailer lot if this is you as vehicles in the trailer lot w/o trailers will be ticketed.
The lake itself is a long and lean 7 miles. The ramp area is centrally placed on the the western edge of the lake. To the north of the ramp area you will find green rolling hills above the eastern shore, and the western shore is dotted with classic California tree studded rolling hills. Visit in the Spring to catch the green before summer brown takes over.
The water is clean, clear, and cool while there is not much shade available on this - or most - man made lakes in the area. The steep green hills were dotted with herds of cattle and the occasional raptor birds flying above on our last trip (May '19) when we chose to paddle the southern end of the lake where the E Dunne Ave Bridge flanks an inviting pool.
No matter which direction you choose to start the park asks boaters to use the west side of the lake when going south and the east side of the lake when going north. This rule is traditionally designed for busy water ski boat weekend safety. The Park Ranger will transit the lake several times during any given day ensuring safe boating and to deter daredevils from jumping off the bridge into the lake below. That being said, always have your PFD, at minimum, within your boat.
The rock formations, occasional wild flower field on the shoreline, the homes nestled into the hillside, and wildlife - including duck, geese and raptors - provide interesting viewing through out. You'll also notice plenty of people on and off shore fishing. Remember to be respectful of their lines.
The transit down the lake to the E. Dunne Ave Bridge takes about an hour of focused paddling. This modern truss bridge was built in 1987. There are several sheltered fishing cove spots near wear the bridge narrows. And, if you choose to head this way, you will also cross the Woodcutter's Flat picnic area on the east shore. There should be a picnic table available there (first come first serve) and for emergency bathroom stops, porta-potties are in the parking lot up the trail from the shore.
Abutments from a much older previous bridge remain beneath the current bridge's footings. Raft up against the eastern bridge footing for a semi private shelter from some wind and the sun. We took this opportunity to rest, take a few photos and have an energy snack. This spot is also used by teenagers and fishermen who access the lake from the roadside bridge crossing above. Take an additional 15 or 20 minutes and continue south into the slough where coyote creek enters the reservoir. This area may have cattle, shore birds along with lake edge flora to review.
As on most lakes in Northern California, the wind picks up in the afternoon. Even though the temp was about 75 degrees, the wind did bring some chill and we recommend you pack a wind breaking layer to wear if needed. We experienced this about 3.30 pm on our paddle back to the boat launch along the edge of the eastern shore. The return paddle offers the best close up views of those classic Northern California hillsides which run almost up to the lakeshore. And, there are some rocky cliff edges about half way back to to the ramp that plunge into the lake showing signs of active rain run off via clearly cut channels in the cliff edges.
The end of the day calls boaters to the ramp, with curfew an hour before sunset. The exodus starts about 4 pm.
There is gas, coffee, and other retail available at the freeway 10 minutes away. Overall this is a great destination and day paddle for any level of boater.
BOTTOM LINE: we rate this a 4 out of 5.
LAST VISITED: May 2019
SEASON: Boating season begins April 1st and runs through the end of October.
TRAFFIC: This is a recreational destination! That means you'll be sharing the lake with people fishing on the water and shorelines, ski boats, SUPers and kayakers alike.
AVAILABLE KAYAKING MILEAGE: 7 miles
GETTING HERE: 19245 Malaguerra Ave, Morgan Hill, CA. Morgan Hill is located in Santa Clara County, the SF South Bay.
2019 PARKING/LAUNCH FEES: $6 parking; $5 per boat launch; $9 with inspection
INSPECTION: Yes, if you haven't visited / been inspected in the past 5 years.
RENTALS: No
LAUNCH TYPE: Dock, Ramp and shoreline available at the main launch area. Fortunately, the ramp affords some space blocked off from trailers for paddlers to use. This area is sheltered and easy to access in even in buy launch times. Do use caution of the power boats entering and exiting the launch area. The trek up the long ramp back to car and subsequent return will take about 10 minutes.
FACILITIES: Very nice restrooms in the main lot.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Visit for a hike, picnic, shoreline fishing or to just take in the view of the valley below.
LAKE MAP: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Documents/Anderson-Broch-qxd_Anderson-Broch-qxd.pdf
Tacos LA Oaxaqueña: Road Side Taco Truck Made Fresh to Order!
You can get grub in town, or at the retail places near the freeway. However, we were more than satisfied with Jorge and his amazingly fresh fare served from this unassuming taco truck. This truck shares a lot with two other trucks: a bbq and a mexican smoothie truck.
Here you will find a great selection of delicious Tacos and other delights. They offer a wide variety of proteins and we sampled five including: Al Pastor, Carnitas, Chorizo, Asada and Pollo. Jorge was enthusiastic to serve us, answered all our questions, took our order and then started grilling.
All tacos are served with fresh green salsa, cilantro and grilled white onion strips and a whole jalapeno, they were ready to eat in about 5 minutes. Each served on freshly grilled and a signed heated corn tortilla - which held up as a solid foundation with minimal spillage. And, Jorge made some suggestions for off menu options such as home made watermelon Aguas Fresca and fresh avocado slices to accompany out meal.
The Al Pastor was SO tasty and the most rewarding. Tangy and sweet from spices and some vinegar, this was the most rewarding taco. It was fun to eat especially with an added bite of jalapeño.
The Pollo was hot, perfectly spiced and diced into small pieces. Super tender and juicy with just the right amount of charred flavor. Adding a bit of grilled jalapeño added some significant kick.
The chorizo taco was also very good. You would expect any chorizo to have some extra fatty grease as part of the dish.. This taco was rich in flavor with out any extra grease. The spice was distinct and solid, providing a rewarding eating experience.
Next up was the Carne Asada. The meat had just enough fat to coat your mouth in flavorful way, tender, served just medium and finished with a savory gravy. Not too spicy. This is the best choice for those who don't like heat.
Last, we have our only disappointment: the Carnitas. Although the flavor was very good from spices, the meat was tough and chewy. We didn't have more than our initial bites.
BOTTOM LINE: 4 out of 5 tacos (so close yet the carnitas just didn't make the cut.) Customizing each fresh made taco by adding the desired amount of grilled onion, jalapeno, and fresh avocado made these tacos special and Tacos LA Oaxaqueña a unique and satisfying.
GETTING HERE: Located in a random large lot @ 488 Tennant Ave, Morgan Hill, CA, @ 3.5 miles from the lake, it is the closest spot AND the highest rated Mexican in the area.
ADULT BEVERAGES: No yet Jorge will make you a delightful Agua Al Fresco!
SEATING: plenty of picnic tables!
SALSA BAR: No.
WEBSITE/MENU: Not available online, yet includes most basics AND some American fare such as hotdogs. However, there were not fresh Tamales available when we inquired.
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