Urban Creeks in North Berkeley

Attractive Creekside Spots
(in Friends of Five Creeks' area)
Where You Can Walk, Relax, Picnic, Play

1. CODORNICES CREEK at Masonic and Santa Fe runs a short distance between steep banks laced with swordferns and native currants beneath open stands of cottonwoods, box elder and redwood trees. A pleasant refuge in shadow of BART tracks, 6 blocks from San Pablo/Gilman and 8 from Monterey shopping. Coffee and outdoor sculpture gallery within 1 block at Gilman. Access from Masonic (opposite 1200) or Ohlone Greenway; # 9 bus along Gilman.

2. BLACKBERRY CREEK at Colusa and Tacoma hides in shade of willows and cottonwoods for most of its short exposure to daylight between Thousand Oaks School and Ensenada Ave, but has convenient steps leading down to open water and stepping stones in two places. Next to fenced, attractive playground, large sand-lot, slides and swings; and, past small open lawn, to picnic tables under towering redwoods. Entry off Tacoma; 1 Block to Solano coffee & shopping, # 15 & # 43 buses.

3. CODORNICES CREEK in Live Oak Park off Shattuck burbles for two blocks over its rock-dotted bed in dappled shade of huge live oaks, redwoods, and bay trees. Spanned by several bridges, its whole length walkable along both banks, it has convenient access to the water and stepping stones in several places. The park has picnic & washroom facilities; Berkeley Art Center & Live Oak Community Center. One block from North Shattuck coffee & shopping.

4. CODORNICES CREEK in Codornices Park at Euclid and Eunice runs through varied terrain in a narrow, sometimes steep-sided rock-strewn channel with ivied banks under a high canopy of trees. Paths flank the creek on both sides, leading past playing fields, picnic & barbecue areas, and less developed glades. Path to left off Tamalpais Steps on north side of park above Euclid leads to waterfall. Rose Garden is on other side of Euclid.

Join Friends of Five Creeks for creek restoration, work parties, wildlife surveys, and other work for creeks and watersheds: 510 848 9358, F5creeks@aol.com.