Location: Oakland (Redwood Regional Park).

Distance: 7.3-mile loop.

Difficulty Level: Moderate.

Know Before You Go:
The trail boasts an exciting 1,300-foot elevation gain, offering a rewarding challenge, especially if conditions are wet or muddy. If the main path gets crowded, no worries—there are plenty of scenic side trails to explore. Dogs are welcome to join the fun but must be kept on a leash. Wear sturdy shoes with good traction, dress in layers, and get an early start, as parking can fill up quickly. Most importantly, remember to respect nature and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Why We Love It:
There's something magical about being enveloped by towering redwoods. The gorgeous scenery, peaceful forest, flowing river, and solid elevation gain make this loop a great workout and a restful respite from urban life.

Fuel Up:
The burgers at Portal (portaloakland.com) are unbeatable, as are their daily brunch and happy hour offerings. Thanks to its laid-back vibe, friendly service, and ample outdoor seating (bring your pup—they even have a “puppy chow” menu!), Portal is a perfect place to stop before or after your adventure.

All Good in the Redwoods
Redwoods are the tallest trees on Earth, reaching heights of over 360 feet, with some standing strong for more than 2,000 years.

So, how do these ancient giants grow so tall, and why along the Pacific Coast? The secret lies in fog.

While most trees rely on pulling water up from the ground, redwoods have specially adapted needles that capture moisture from fog, allowing them to take up water directly. What isn’t absorbed directly is condensed into droplets that then drip to the ground, providing water to the understory. 

Their wide-spreading roots, though shallow, are intertwined, helping them to stabilize each other and even share nutrients, something some scientists refer to as the “wood wide web.” Through a complex fungal symbiosis, the process allows trees to share resources and even send chemical and electrical signals across this network. 

There’s so much to admire about redwoods beyond their towering heights, and I hope you take a moment to marvel at their magic while exploring Redwood Regional Park.

by Ryan Martinez
Photos 1 & 5 courtesy of East Bay Regional Park District. Photos 2-4 & 6-7 by Kabir Khan Shokal of Production Zero @production_zero. Portal photos courtesy of Portal.

For more information, visit alltrails.com/trail/us/california/french-bridle-and-stream-trail-loop.

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