TRAILHEAD INFORMATION
Highlights
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline is a key destination for non-motorized small boaters with beaches and a boat-in campground along the scenic shore of San Pablo Bay. Water access facilities at the site include a small beach near the northeastern tip of the park and wide beaches along much of the western shore of the park. The eastern beach launch and campground are located approximately 1.2 miles from the parking area so facilities are accessed primarily from the water.
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline is a 2,315-acre park located on the shore of San Pablo Bay in the City of Pinole. It features picnic areas, beaches, a fishing pier, and miles of trails that lead to panoramic views.
Boat Facilities
The primary water access location is a small beach near the northeastern tip of the park, east of the base of the fishing pier. This beach launch and boat-in campground are located approximately 1.2 miles from the parking area, so facilities are accessed primarily from the water. Additionally, the western shoreline has a sandy beach at most tides, but is flanked by steep bluffs that can limit access from the shore to park facilities.
The East Bay Regional Park District completed an ADA access path from the shoreline that connects to the campground. The project provides a path of travel from the beach high tide line to connect to existing facilities including ADA restrooms, a new shower, the campground, and drinking fountains, as well as support facilities like a kayak storage rack and shower/washdown facilities.
Parking
The closest parking area to the primary launch/campground is the Atlas Staging Area. The entrance leads to a new ADA-accessible parking area, picnic sites and restrooms.
Directions
From I-80 in Richmond take the Richmond Parkway exit and go west towards the Bay. Cross San Pablo Avenue and turn right on to Atlas Road. Follow Atlas Road for approximately 1 mile to reach the park entrance. Mileage from I-80 to the Atlas entrance is approximately 2.5 miles.
From I-580 east of the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge: exit at Richmond Parkway/
Castro Street and go north for approximately 5.75 miles to Atlas Road. Turn left on to Atlas Road for approximately 1.25 miles to the park entrance.
Restrooms
There are four permanent restrooms with flush toilets and sinks at the Atlas Staging Area. There is one restroom near the pier, and two ADA unisex restrooms near the campsite parking area (with no running water).
Boat-in Campground
Due to the distance from the parking areas, it is anticipated that Point Pinole will primarily serve as a destination and/or camping site for boaters launching from other areas. The campground can accommodate groups up to 20. Point Pinole Group Campsite can be reserved by calling 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2. Reservations must be made at least 7 days in advance.
The Point Pinole group campsite offers a large lawn, benches, picnic tables, BBQs, drinking fountains, and a fire pit. The campsite is located within a former munitions bunker area, which provides protection from the winds.
Accessibility
Access to and from the water is ADA accessible via a new path, that connects to the campground, the Bay Trail and a variety of accessible facilities including parking, restrooms, drinking fountains, picnic benches, and paved pathways.
Water access improvements were completed in 2021, and include the construction of an ADA access ramp to the water, wash down site, path of travel, and a kayak storage area for overnight camping.
Safety Tips
Access to the eastern shoreline is shallow and mudflats are often exposed at at lower tides. Check tide charts and plan to launch or land at least an hour before low tide to avoid getting stuck in mud. San Pablo Bay can be very windy in the afternoon, particularly during summer months.
Wildlife Tips
San Pablo Bay is an important location on the Pacific Flyway and for resident birds. Please observe buffer distances, do not disturb wildlife, and do not land in marshes or other unauthorized areas.
In 2013, The Watershed Project deployed 100 community-built reef balls at Point Pinole, made by volunteers from concrete, bay sand, and crushed oyster shells. In an area that is primarily mudflat, these balls act as substrate for oysters to attach to. The reef balls are located north of the primary launch beach.
Please maintain a buffer distance of 50 feet from Ridgway’s rail habitat, 820 feet from large groups of birds, 330 feet from a harbor seal haul-out August – February, and 500 feet from a harbor seal haul-out March – July (pupping season).