In the heart of Livermore Wine Country!
Lake Del Valle is an inland man made reservoir that is part of the East Bay Regional Park District. The park offers a wide variety of activities including hiking camping beach areas and other day use facilities. They have particularly nice and well maintained boat launch / ramp facilities. The lake is long and offers a full morning or afternoon paddle through its full length.
Our usual paddle here starts late morning and lasts about 3.5 hours. We pack fresh water, snacks and clothing layers based on weather. You will need a hat with a visor as well. Weekends can be a bit busy so earlier arrivals work well for efficiencies in getting in. Their are vehicle, boat and boat inspection fees to be charged. See below for details. For the inspections, be sure your boat is CLEAN and DRY inside and out. They want to make sure there is no contaminated water (zebra mussels) in your boat. If they have concerns based on wet gear or dirty boats, they will not allow you in the lake. Do be aware that the shores of this reservoir are very steep and is deep throughout.
Launching is easy from the launch ramp. Be sure to use the restrooms at ramp prior to your paddle. Once started, consider turning left or south for a quick paddle by the camping areas and beach front. There may be some large birds in the slough area where the Arroyo Valle creek enters the reservoir. This will add about 30 min to the main paddle.
Once past the main launch area and paddling north, you will notice steep hillsides on both east and west shore lines. In the afternoon shade can be found near the west shore line especially in the small coves along most of its length. The east shore line offers views of rolling hills and wider deeper coves. There is an occasional porta-potty stationed along east shore hiking trails that can be accessed if need be, from the lake shore. A leisurely but focused paddle should put you at the north end of the reservoir and near its DAM in about 90 minutes.
Although there are power boats allowed on the lake, there are speed limits and we have not experienced any significant issues sharing the lake with them. Overall, a fine place for a flat water paddle and to work up an appetite for lunch!
BOTTOM LINE: We rate this paddle 4 out of 5 paddles.
LAST VISITED: Sept 2018
SEASON: Late Summer, however this is a year round facility
TOTAL KAYAKING MILEAGE: Approx 7 miles
GETTING HERE: 8993-9321 Del Valle Rd, Livermore, CA 94550
2018 PARKING: $6.00
2018 CAR TOP LAUNCH FEES: $3.00
2018 DOG FEE: NA
INSPECTION: $4.00
RENTALS? Yes
LAUNCH TYPE: Beach and Boat Ramp
FACILITIES: Full Picnic Area, Beaches, Restroom, Park and Boat Launch
PICNIC SPOTS: Many
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Swimming, hiking, camping, picnic, biking
WEBSITE: https://www.ebparks.org/aprks/del_valle/
Garre' Cafe: Elegant yet accessible!
Not far from the lake, this café is surrounded by vineyards, rose gardens and the chef’s herb and vegetable garden. Mediterranean inspired California cuisine will delight your senses and palate.
With faire for every pallet, you will have a terrific meal that will keep you coming back to their family table. The entire release of Garré wines are available, or you can choose a varietal from the hand-selected list of international wines. If you’re in the “spirit,” settle in for a great hand-crafted cocktail from the full bar.
The fish tacos were great. Served with grilled pacific snapper, green cabbage, salsa roja, and topped with chipotle aioli. All on top of fresh corn tortillas! Delicious.
BOTTOM LINE: This is an upscale winery and cafe. It's really good.
GETTING HERE: 7986 Tesla Rd. Livermore, Ca 94550 925 371 8200
WEBSITE/MENU: Garre Winery Lunch Menu
WHAT ELSE? If this place is not your speed after your paddle, there are many other places in downtown Livermore about 5 min to the north.
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