High in the Oakland hills, below the Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park, a long stone stairway and waterfall runs down the hillside. Living New Deal calls it one of the largest New Deal projects in the Bay Area.
What it is
Living New Deal says the Woodminster Cascade begins at the base of the amphitheater with three large pools. From there water drops 100 feet over irregular slabs of slate and ends in a 10-foot fall into a semicircular pool. Below that are a mid-level jet fountain and a wide stairway down to a reflecting pool and plaza, all edged with low walls of native rock.
Who built it
The Works Progress Administration built the complex from 1935 to 1940, according to Living New Deal. Juanita Miller, daughter of the poet Joaquin Miller, came up with the idea. The amphitheater was designed by Edward Foulkes, architect of the Oakland Tribune Tower, and the cascade by Howard Gilkey, who also designed the Cleveland Cascade at Lake Merritt. William Penn Mott did the layout and landscaping; he later designed Children's Fairyland and went on to lead the National Park Service.
A memorial to California writers
Woodminster Summer Musicals, which performs in the amphitheater, says the amphitheater and cascades were dedicated in 1940 as a memorial to California writers. The plantings along the cascade, by horticulturist Lionel Sprattling, are the Writers Memorial Grove, with trees dedicated to authors including Jack London, Mark Twain, Bret Harte and Ina Coolbrith. It also says the name "woodminster" means "cathedral in the woods."
Set your expectations
In its entry, last updated in 2021, Living New Deal says the cascade has suffered from deferred maintenance and the pump for the fountain and cascades hadn't worked for many years. Don't count on seeing water. The stairs, stonework and views are still worth the walk. The park is off Joaquin Miller Road above Highway 13.
More hidden spots: SF speakeasies and how to get in and Oakland's hidden bars.