Regional parks storm closures/impacts — East Bay, Sonoma, Marin; quake, rain, fire ops monitoring
Key Questions
Which East Bay Regional Park District areas are closed due to storm damage?
Black Diamond, Tilden Memory, and Sunol Shady Glen are closed indefinitely. Del Valle is open but with storm damage and algae issues.
What are the current trail conditions on Mt. Tamalpais?
Steep Ravine, Dipsea, and Cataract trails are muddy. There is an ongoing debate among hikers, bikers, and equestrians about trail options on Mt. Tamalpais watershed.
Which parks have muddy conditions from recent storms?
Brushy Peak, Fremont, Clayton, and Hollister have muddy trails. Visitors should be cautious of slip risks due to recent quake and rain.
What weather is expected in the Bay Area this week?
Thursday earthquake followed by Thursday-Sunday rain and thunderstorms, with coastal/mountains getting 1+ inches, inland 0.25 inches, plus lightning, hail, gusts, slick roads, ponding, and flood risks.
When and where is the prescribed burn at Wagner Ranch?
Fire crews from Moraga-Orinda Fire District will burn piled material at John Muir Land Trust property north of Wagner Ranch in Orinda on April 8-9. Smoke may affect nearby Briones and Tilden areas.
Where are wildflowers blooming in the East Bay and beyond?
Wildflowers are booming at Tilden, Sunol, Sibley, Serpentine Prairie, Point Reyes Chimney Rock, Tennessee Valley, Lands End, and other East Bay spots due to recent rains. Additional sites include Las Trampas and Marin Headlands.
Are there family-friendly hiking spots in Marin?
Marin Headlands, Tennessee Valley, and Rodeo Beach are good for families, with coastal trails suitable for kids. Point Reyes also offers wildflower blooms and coastal views.
What alternative parks are recommended if main ones are closed?
Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge and Coyote Hills are good alternatives. These areas offer trails without current storm-related closures.
EBRPD Del Valle open w/storm dmg/algae/Black Diamond/Tilden Memory indefinite/Sunol Shady Glen; Mt Tam Steep Ravine/Dipsea/Cataract muddy; Brushy Peak/Fremont/Clayton/Hollister mud; Thu quake + Thu-Sun rain/thunderstorms (coastal/mtns 1in+/inland 0.25in, lightning/hail/gusts/slick roads/ponding/flood) slip risks; prescribed burn Wagner Ranch Orinda Apr8-9 smoke near Briones/Tilden; Mt Tam trail debate; wildflowers booming Tilden/Sunol/Sibley/Serpentine Prairie etc. + Point Reyes Chimney Rock/Tenn Valley/Lands End; Marin Headlands/Tennessee Valley/Rodeo Beach family good; alts Don Edwards/Coyote Hills.