The San Pablo Dam Reservoir is an easy and enjoyable east San Francisco Bay Area half day paddle. Its easy to access the main boat launch area off San Pablo Dam Rd so we find ourselves visiting from Oakland about once per year. You can approach the entrance from either the south in Orinda via Hwy 24 or from the northwest through El Sobrante and Hwy 80.
This reservoir is part of EBMUD (east bay municipal utility district) and is used for drinking water so there is no swimming allowed. Boating and fishing however are key activities. In order to protect the water supply, EBMUD is very strict on protecting the environment from non native species and require inspections for Zebra muscles on all vessels. See their web site for details. A key detail to pass the inspection is to ensure your vessel in completely clean and dry.
Once inspected and ready to launch, use the main boat ramp. From there you have 1/4 length of the reservoir to the south and 3/4 to the north. The southern end is the main source of the reservoir. It has a variety of marshy banks with an occasional dry beach area to
visit for rest, stretch etc. You should see a variety of wild life including large shore birds, turtles etc. On the eastern side of the reservoir are a variety of small stream inlets that provide some shelter from wind and additional areas to explore on the banks. The western side is wooded and steep. These areas also provide some wind shelter and in some areas shade from the sun. As you paddle north, on the western edge you will notice a reservoir service facility and a large park recreation building with a paddle boat dock. Stay clear of the service area per the floating bouys. See the park's website for a list of public services at the rec building. Last, the north end of the lake in bounded by the reservoir's dam. The spillway for the dam is on the northwest corner o the reservoir.
Our regular paddle here is 3-4 hours including inspection and load out.
BOTTOM LINE: We rate this paddle 4 out of 5 paddles. Easy to access. Quality facilities for restroom and launch. Safe and rewarding physical paddle. Pleasing natural scenery. You may see some cool wildlife however, it may not be the most memorable part of your paddle.
LAST VISITED: Fall 2018
SEASON: Closed November thru January
TOTAL KAYAKING MILEAGE: 14 miles of shoreline
GETTING HERE: Take the Orinda East 24 of the Caldecott Tunnel and follow the signs. (see map below).
2018 PARKING: $7 day use
2018 CAR TOP LAUNCH FEES: $4 per day
2018 DOG FEE: $2 per day
INSPECTION: Yes,
RENTALS? Single and tandem available. Rentals start at $10.00/hour. Call (510) 223‐1661 or stop in for more information!
LAUNCH TYPE: Boat ramp and dock launch available.
FACILITIES: Clean toilets are available in the main parking lot.
PICNIC SPOTS: there are a few areas where you can dock your boat and have a picnic on land while our preference is to 'raft' our boats in one of the nooks and have a protein snack on the water.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: hiking, fishing,
WEBSITE: https://www.ebmud.com/recreation/east-bay/san-pablo-reservoir/
What else? As of this posting in early 2019, 2018 rates are most current available online. Call 510.223.1661 to confirm, if concerned about an increase.
El Trompudo: your local stop in El Sobrante for authentic Mexican food with something for everyone.
The entrance to the parking lot is a little tight. Park in front or in the back. Note the covered outdoor patio area seating available as you enter through the glass doors. Order at the counter and wait for your order # to be called.
It took us about 20 minutes to get our food on a busy Sunday lunch rush. After you order, be sure to grab some chips included for all guests from the covered counter display. Next, the salsa bar waits for a selection of salsa and fresh limes. There is one large tele for restaurant guests to watch and soccer games were on when we were there.
Overall the Tacos are exceptional. Each meat type was served with a generous portion, hot and well seasoned. The Carnitas? Mmmm-hmmmm tender with a sweet crust on the outside. The chicken was breast meat shredded perfectly and served in a mild sauce. The tenderness with a bite of cilantro tasted great.
The steak taco was meaty and tender juiciness while the Al Pastor pork was a little sweet while delicious in its own right.
Shrimp tacos? Do it!
RATING: 4.5 of 5
LOCATION: 3850 San Pablo Dam Rd, El Sobrante, California, USA
WEBSITE / MENU: https://www.facebook.com/pages/El-Trompudo/2058450334385145 and https://www.menupix.com/menudirectory/menu.php?id=28123635
TACOS TRIED: Chicken, Steak, Al Pastor, Carnitas, Shrimp
SALSA BAR: Well stocked salsa bar including selections with varying heat. We've tried them all!
CHIPS: help yourself!
LANGUAGE: Spanish and English
WHAT ELSE? It can be busy so expect to wait a bit for your food to be freshly prepared. Try a drink while you wait. During a previous visit Ben tried the horchata which was sweet, rich and delicious.
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