Poison oak in shades of green and red guard the aromatic bay trees on one side of the paved pathway along Lake Chabot, while a steep drop off to the water looms on the other.
Beyond the trees to the right is another world entirely, a dense park full of side quests and wildlife.
At one point, a handsome buck came within viewing distance of the trail before it sensed a camera lens and ran back into the brush.
On the lake to the left, four people lounged on a lazy pontoon boat. Fishermen huddled on a nearby pier. A man with rolled-up sleeves and dirt under his fingernails was winding his reel. Patches of green and brown land covered the rolling hills behind the water.
We took this hike on a sunny day in September, but it’s easy to see why it was recommended as a great place to go during winter months. Imagine fog settling over the lake and a cool breeze coming off the water. And with gravel pathways that should be just as reliable during wet seasons, this hike made the top of our list of great cool weather hikes in the Bay Area.
About a mile into our walk along the East Shore Trail, we heard a woman yelp. As we got closer, she pointed to the water.
“A wood duck!” she yelled. “I’ve never seen one here before.”
Gleefully sure of her finding, she bid us adieu and continued walking down the path until all was quiet again. The serenity of Lake Chabot is built around this dichotomy: large periods of isolated quiet occasionally interrupted by pleasant social interaction.
Most of the hike is along a paved pathway, making it good for any weather.
Early morning hikers report fog and a cool breeze off the lake, with temperatures getting as low as the 30s in the early morning of winter months. Catch it in the early afternoon in the summer or fall, and you’re bound to get sweaty and perhaps even a little sunburned.
Without too much elevation, Lake Chabot is welcoming for folks of all ages and fitness levels. A walk completely around the lake’s perimeter is 10 miles, but it’s not necessary to go that far.
Start at the marina cafe and head northeast up the East Shore Trail for the easiest adventure, with almost immediate payoff of amazing views of the water.
There are outhouses every half-mile or so and a few opportunities to veer off the path to go explore the shaded areas of the park.
Maybe a half-mile in, just before Catfish Landing, keep your eyes peeled on the hill to your right, and you’ll stumble into an isolated picnic table surrounded by old trees. It’s beckoning for a romantic lunch or a quiet meditation break.
Another half-mile in and you’ll reach a brief, tree-lined excursion that leads you around a short bend, then out the other side with a brand new view of the water. It’s called Raccoon Point.
There are benches on high land with perfect views and sunshine on a warm day. And a few more benches along the water below.
We stopped here to rest and have a snack. The dogs appreciated the shade underneath a tree. On a cool morning, the mist over the lake could make for a particularly refreshing break.
There’s something about braving chilly weather and enduring the elements that makes a hike particularly rewarding. In fact, there’s science behind this.
Yale University psychologist Paul Bloom wrote a book about it. It’s called, “The Sweet Spot,” and it explores the reasons why some folks love pushing themselves through pain.
Why do people like to watch movies that scare them? Or risk total heartbreak for love? Why do runners endure 26-mile marathons if their bodies fight against them for half the race? And why do people want to climb Mount Everest when at least a half dozen die trying every year?
“If you suffer for something that gives delight, soon the suffering itself can give joy,” Bloom writes. He talks about Type 2 fun, how it might not feel fun while you’re doing it, but it shapes the narrative you’re able to tell yourself about who you are: the type of person who can endure challenges and come out the other side.
“Some degree of misery and suffering is essential to a rich and meaningful life,” he says.
He shares other ideas of why people like to push themselves, noting the importance of the respect and admiration we receive from others. Tell your partner you hiked 8 miles in the freezing cold, for example, and they might respect your grit and determination.
Or maybe they’ll call you crazy.
If you enjoy that kind of attention — positive or negative — and want to experience some chilly Type 2 fun outdoor hikes this winter, we’ve put together a list for you. Most of these trails are paved to help prevent you from slipping into the mud during the particularly wet times of year. And they all can be adjusted for your desired level of difficulty.
Hope you have fun. Unless you’re looking for misery, in which case, we hope you hate these:
Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont
Here’s a nice and easy place to find paved loops around marshlands and low hills across nearly 1,000 acres. You can find plenty of bird life, too, particularly during migration season. Expect to see pelicans, hawks and egrets, among others swirling the preserved wetlands. And be ready for a strong breeze, as the park is quite flat and wide open.
Rocky Ridge Trail, Las Trampas in San Ramon
It’s steep, with about 1,000-feet of elevation gain in the first mile, but the trail is paved and much more manageable in cool weather. Careful of the steep sections, but you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of Mount Diablo.
Mitchell Canyon Trail at Mount Diablo
There are a lot of ways to explore this one, but the Mitchell Canyon trailhead at 96 Mitchell Canyon Road in Clayton can kick off the easiest option, a gentle journey that stops before the trail becomes steep after 2 miles. At the 2-mile mark, take an optional footpath down to the creek to have a picnic, then head back.
The Back Creek Loop or the Eagle Peak Loop can provide extended difficulty with steep elevation gains, for those looking for a difficult challenge.
Pleasanton Ridge, Pleasanton
Hike from the foothill staging area up the rolling hills for a 6-mile journey. It’s all gravel and makes for reportedly pleasant conditions, even after it’s rained. The views of the valley can be aided by the winter fog. Dress in layers and stay alert for wild pigs and turkeys!
Alum Rock Park, San Jose
There are plenty of options to choose from when considering a hike through Alum Rock Park, a historical park just a few miles from downtown San Jose. The 3-mile hike along the Penitencia Creek Trail offers minimal elevation on a mostly narrow path. Hikers report that it can be too hot during the summer, making it an ideal spot to check out in cooler months. There are 13 miles of trails in total, with many offering sensational views of the city along mostly paved or hard-dirt-packed pathways.