Bull Valley - Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline
The park and adjacent trail system can be reached directly from a parking area off Carquinez Scenic Drive. From the east or south, take Hwy. 4 and McEwen Road, turning left onto Carquinez Scenic Drive. The staging area, shown here, is on the right. It is followed by an access road to a picnic area. (Carquinez Scenic Drive is closed between McEwen Rd. and Martinez.) If traveling from the north or west, exit off I-80 to Crockett and make your way along the shoreline roads east to Carquinez Scenic Drive and the staging area.
The Bay Trail leaves the parking area and parallels the access road to the picnic ground. Why take the path? The views are stunning, particularly of the Carquinez Bridge to the west. Even young walkers can enjoy this short path.
Wildflowers can be beautiful.
Occasionally, views become obstructed.
The waters of the strait are punctured with an abandoned dock.
Access to this short trail is also available from the picnic area adjacent to the water.
Kevin, who is a railroad fanatic, was impressed by this maintenance vehicle with a second set of "rail wheels."
An abandoned brick building shows that this area was much more than picnic area.
Abandoned equipment remains to remind us of this area's past.
Beyond the picnic area, an unofficial "path" continues toward the sugar refinery.
Sailboats and large ships travel through Carquinez Strait.
Here Kevin gets a close-up view of REAL railroad cars.
A parking and visitor viewing area is adjacent to the cogeneration energy facility at the sugar refinery. Views across Carquinez Strait are unusual.
Not everyone lives in a three-bedroom home in a subdivision!
Signs explain the history of development along Carquinez Strait, as well as how the new energy cogeneration facility at the sugar refinery works.