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The What's Left of Summer Guide Outdoor Adventures for Both Kinds of People By Kalim Summerday Armstrong Where is the largest second growth Redwood forest in the world? If you don't know the answer, you haven't spent enough time exploring your own backyard - Oakland's other side. Acres of Redwoods and regional parks line the East Bay hills. No matter where you go in the Bay Area the East Bay Ridge is omnipresent, lurking over the bay and the Oakland skyline. Take a quick trip and you can be under the cool shade of a 150-foot Redwood, transported from the mayhem of urban life and the socio-economic concerns of your banal existence. You will achieve Zen-like clarity about your position in the universe, and you might even be moved to say, "This is really fuckin' nice, my life has been meaningless until now." You know that you live in one of the most amazing places in the world. To the West is the city, and to the East, miles of trails, trees, and endless adventure. Go East, to the Hills! It will put meaning back in your life. Two day trips for two kinds of people: Redwood Grove Hike (Redwood Park) For People On The Go Between Tilden and Chabot, this 1,836-acre park, which was logged to build San Francisco in the mid-1800s, has been reforested and protected. It has an impressive mountain bike loop - which is also great for dogs and joggers (Ridge Trail, 8.22mi) -- grasslands and, of course, Redwood groves. Here's a great short hike: Get up to Skyline Gate Staging Area. (AC Transit #60) Take the West Ridge Trail to the French Trail. The French Trail is a strenuous 2-mile run that will take you to the Star Flower Trail. This trail leads to an amazing Redwood grove that will make you feel complete. What other town contains such extremes of urban existence and natural beauty? Take Star Flower down to the Stream Trail. That will lead you back to the start. This loop can be done in 1 hour if you don't get lost. Bring a book, bring a date - it will change your life. You can make this hike as long as you like, grab a map and explore. The Oakland Redwood's aren't just for hippies. If that hike made you feel weird, try this out: Bort Meadow BBQ (Chabot) For People On Drugs What you need: A car, friends, BBQ stuff, drugs, and a Frisbee (or something to throw). Take highway 13 to the Redwood Rd. exit. Take Redwood deep into Anthony Chabot Park, 4,972 acres of recreational utopia. Stay on Redwood Rd. for about 8 miles until you hit the Bort Meadow staging area. Park and follow the signs. Bort Meadow has two giant BBQ grills, tables, spigots, and facilities. It is a great place to go if you want to get out of the city but happen to be lazy. From the meadow you have access to miles of great biking and hiking trails. There is even a shooting range if that's your thing. Most popular for Lake Chabot and the family campground, this park is mostly devoid of humans, just watch out for the cows. Bort Meadow can be reserved as a group camp, so beware. Twice I have encountered hordes Boy Scouts fighting with sticks and earning badges. Don't let it 'harsh your mellow, dude.' Call ahead if you are the paranoid type. Other places of interest: Joaquin Miller Park, Roberts Park, Redwood Park, Tilden Park, and if you are motivated, Mt. Diablo. For a complete guide to the East Bay parks check out www.ebparks.org. All the PDF maps and info you need. [ East Bay | Metroactive | Archives ]