Lafayette Reservoir
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37°53′04″N 122°08′20″W / 37.884369°N 122.138854°W[1]
The Lafayette Reservoir is an open cut terminal water storage reservoir owned and operated by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). It is located off of Highway 24 and a mile from the Lafayette BART station, in Contra Costa County, California. This all-year, day-use area is ideal for hiking, jogging, fishing, boating and picnicking. The reservoir is on the Orinda border. The reservoir is on a 925-acre (3.74 km2) site and holds 1.4 billion US gallons (5,300,000 m3) [2]
Rowboats and pedal boats can be rented. Private rowboats, canoes, kayaks and small sailboats are allowed if carried atop your auto (no gasoline engines). There is a $4.00 launch fee and all boats must be off the water 2½ hours prior to the park closing. An inspection for Quagga mussels is also required at the time of launch. The fee for this inspection is $6.00. Launching docks and a small bait shop are added conveniences. A daily fishing access fee ($5.00) is required. (Fees here and at other EBMUD reservoirs cover costs of stocking fish taken by anglers.)
The main trail around the reservoir is a 2.7-mile paved footpath named the Lakeside Trail; the 4.5-mile Rim Trail is a more challenging dirt hiking path through the surrounding hills.[3]
Families, groups and companies can reserve picnic areas holding 50 or 200 people. Many individual tables and barbecues accommodate smaller groups. A large play area offers lively fun for children. The park has restrooms and a disabled-access fishing dock with adjacent parking.
Entrance to the park is free; however, parking on site costs $7.00 per day. There are also a number of metered parking spaces available at a rate of $1.50/hour. The park's hours of operation range from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., depending on the season. Discounts for seniors and disabled persons are available also.