Just off Skyline Boulevard above Oakland and Orinda, a short trail drops into a forest of bay trees and huckleberry.
Why it's special
The 241-acre preserve is named for the California huckleberry, Vaccinium ovatum, which grows thickly there, according to Wikipedia. The park district says the plants are a relic community that originated long ago along California's southern coast, when the climate was wetter. Today similar vegetation grows on the islands off Santa Barbara and in isolated pockets from Point Conception to Montara Mountain. The preserve's rocks, chert and shale laid down in a deep ocean basin, contain the remains of microscopic diatoms and radiolaria. Facing the Golden Gate, the ridge gets plenty of summer fog.
Visiting
The district says the 1.7-mile self-guided nature path loops through varied terrain, descending into a mature bay forest. For an easier walk, stay on the upper trail, which still passes most of the tour stops. Because the preserve is fragile, dogs, bikes and horses are prohibited, except that dogs and horses are allowed on the Skyline National Trail. The staging area is at 7087 Skyline Blvd., and the preserve is open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. There is no parking fee. The district notes the preserve is not currently wheelchair accessible.