View of Bear Creek – Lamorinda Trail Loop loop from Russell Research Station

Bike touring routes & trails

View of Bear Creek – Lamorinda Trail Loop loop from Russell Research Station

Moderate

4.6

(7201)

15,145

riders

View of Bear Creek – Lamorinda Trail Loop loop from Russell Research Station

01:27

20.1km

420m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Waypoints

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1.76 km

Happy Valley Road Climb

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

One of the nastiest downhills I ever rode, the road is in terrible condition and car drivers where cutting corners at pretty decent speeds. Very beautiful though, would defnitely recommend as an uphill (north to south)

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3.58 km

View of Bear Creek

Highlight • Viewpoint

This view of Bear Creek lets bikers peer down into the Bear Creek section of the Briones Reservoir, which has two sources for its water, one source is local and one source is imported.

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7.02 km

Briones Reservoir view off Bear Creek Road

Highlight • Viewpoint

Near the high point of Bear Creek Road a better view of the reservoir opens up than at the overlook a half mile lower along the road.

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7.49 km

Little John Cove overlook of Briones Reservoir

Highlight • Viewpoint

Great overlook of the reservoir, along the road as unfortunately the trail around the lake is closed to bikes.

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9.85 km

San Pablo Creek Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Nice shaded view from the bridge across the creek that fills the San Pablo reservoir, with the help of additional water piped in from Sierra Nevada reservoirs including Lake Comanche.

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14.1 km

Orinda Theatre Square

Highlight • Settlement

This pretty little brick walkway wanders through a tunnel of shops, restaurants, and businesses around Orinda Theater. The awnings and aerial walkways lend the feeling of an old bustling medieval city.

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15.4 km

Lamorinda Trail Loop

Highlight • Trail

The Lamorinda Trail Loop passes through Orinda, Moraga, and Lafayette. The loop spans 17.5 miles in total, mostly flat and paved, with parking available in downtown Orinda or El Nido …

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15.9 km

Lamorinda Trail

Highlight • Cycleway

The Lamorinda Trail Loop has an interesting beginning. Initially the three communities of Lafayette, Orinda and Moraga convened a committee to look at connecting themselves via trails. However, upon looking …

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