Note: Although owned and operated by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), hiking permit requirements appear to not be enforced as is the case in other EBMUD properties. Hiking is on paved trails surrounding the resevoir.
Boat Rental: Boats may be rented at the reservoir.
Bring your own boat: Only cartop or truckbead boats are allowed - no provision is available for trailers.
The dam creating this lake was completed, but partialy collapsed before the reservoir could be completely filled. For this reason the reservoir is only partially full and is why the dam is so much higher than the lake surface. This smaller lake is now surrounded by scenic woodland. Exerpts from from the EBMUD Recreation Web Page:
Lafayette ReservoirAn all-year, day-use area for fishing, boating and picnicking. Rowboats, pedal boats and electric boats are available to rent. Canoes, kayaks and small private sailboats are allowed, but no gasoline motors are permitted. Group picnicking facilities and a bicycle trail are available. Call (510) 284-9669."Chabot ReservoirOpen all year with facilites for boat and bank fishing, canoeing, picnicking, and hiking. It is operated by the East Bay Regional Park District under a 32-year contract that expires in 1998. Call (510) 635-0135.San Pablo ReservoirOpen daily from mid-February to mid-November. Activities operated by a private concession include fishing, picnicking, boating, and hiking. A large play apparatus for children, group picnic areas, and rental boats are available. Call (510) 113-1661.TrailsIn 1974, an 80-mile system of trails was opened for hiking and horseback riding through the District's undeveloped East Bay watershed. The trails around Lafayette Reservoir, Lake Chabot, and within the San Pablo Reservoir Recreation Area are available to everyone. Trail users must have valid permits which are available for a small fee from any EBMUD business office. An EBMUD trail map is provided free to permit holders. Call (510) 254-3778.