There are two boxes here, along the SF Bay Trail starting in San Leandro Marina. By bike it’s about a 2 or 3 hour affair allowing for stops to gaze at the views of the bay and the birds (bring binoculars). On foot it’s probably a half-day hike. If you want to do it by car and on foot, see the directions at the bottom of the page.
It’s a good idea to check the tides ahead of time—low tide is best since you can enjoy a picnic or a rest on a sandy beach at the last box.
Tide tables are here:
http://tbone.biol.sc.edu/tide/tideshow.cgi?site=Roberts+Landing%2C+1%2E3+miles+west+of%2C+San+Francisco+Bay%2C+CaliforniaStart out at the San Leandro Marina. From 880 take the Marina Blvd. exit and go west. Follow Marina to the end as it curves around to the left. A golf course is on your left and a bayfront park on your right. The street dead-ends at the trailhead. Look for parking on the street or in one of the lots on your right.
East Bay Trail #1: Bay Trail Box
As you head off down the paved trail, you’ll soon notice mile markers painted on the pavement. Go to the one-and-a-quarter-mile marker (1 1/4). Stand on the stripe and face the bay. Look for an outcropping forming a ledge and explore beneath it.
What? There’s nothing under there but a few rocks and a curious piece of driftwood? Hmmmm. That’s curious …
Please, please, please rehide well. This is a replacement “box.”
East Bay Trail #2: Pirates Cove Cannonball
Continue down the trail, following the coastline. (Careful, there are some intersections that would lead you inland.) You are going about ___ You'll pass a sign on your left that reads: "West Winton Ave Recycling Plant." Now you're about 5 minutes away.
You’ll cross a paved drainage gulley ––you are now 510 fathoms from Pirate's Cove! You'll cross a bridge and pass a paved trail on your left. Stay to the RIGHT. As you go along, start looking to your right for a small crescent shaped beach. At high tide this is a very small crescent shaped beach. This is “Pirates Cove.” (If the trail makes a sharp turn to the left, you’ve missed it.)
Access from the trail down to the beach is marked by a large, (30") rough cube of concrete.
Once on the beach, turn left and walk parallel to the shoreline for 39 steps. Turn left and you'll be staring into the mouth of a loaded cannon.
For a true feeling of accomplishment and some very decent birdwatching continue on another 30 minutes or so to the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center which lies along the approach to the San Mateo Bridge.
THE DRIVE AND HIKE VERSION:
Check out:
http://www.sanlorenzoexpress.com/shoreprk.htmfor information about this area.
BOX #1: BAY TRAIL BOX
Start out at the San Leandro Marina. (see above directions)
As you head off down the paved trail, you’ll soon notice mile markers painted on the pavement. Go to the one-and-a-quarter-mile marker (1 1/4). Stand on the stripe and face the bay. Look for an outcropping forming a ledge and explore beneath it.
What? There’s nothing under there but a few rocks and a curious piece of driftwood? Hmmmm. That’s curious …
Please, please, please rehide well. This is a replacement “box.”
Return to car for the next stop:
BOX #2: PIRATES COVE CANNONBALL
Return to Marina Blvd and take 880 South to the W. Winton Ave exit. Head west on Winton until you reach the first parking lot. The trailhead is on your right as you enter the parking area and is marked with a sign. (Don't go through the gate and park; it locks at 5 pm).
As you go down the trail a channel lies to your left. Continue toward the bay and the junction with the main trail. Turn left at the main trail which lies along the shore.
The cannonball lies 510 fathoms farther on. Start looking to your right for a small crescent shaped beach. At high tide this is a very small crescent shaped beach. This is “Pirates Cove.” (If the trail makes a sharp turn to the left, you’ve missed it.)
Access from the trail down to the beach is marked by a large, (30") rough cube of concrete.
Once on the beach, turn left and walk parallel to the shoreline for 39 steps. Turn left and you'll be staring into the mouth of a loaded cannon.
Happy Hunting!
Hike Length: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1 feet
