Be a considerate neighbor when you visit! This trail is one of my kids’ favorites.
Bridgeview Trail in Oakland offers majestic redwoods, secret swings, and dripping vines that make this small hike much grander and more exciting for children. While there is a bit of highway noise, a good amount of fellow hikers, and plenty of dogs, Bridgeview Trail is a delightful outing to engage your family’s imagination.
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Where to Find Bridgeview Trail
Bridgeview Trail runs along Dimond Canyon and Sausal Creek right next to the Montclair Golf Course. You can begin your hike on either end of the trail, either at the Bridgeview Trailhead or at the Monterey Blvd. upper trailhead (my phone’s GPS got me there without issue). The Bridgeview Trailhead is at the dead end of a residential neighborhood street and offers an approachable, flat entrance. This is the way we chose to enter, and we didn’t have any trouble finding parking (please don’t block driveways!).
The Monterey Blvd. entrance is just past the Montclair Golf Course. Look for the brown sign on the right side of the street, walk down the trail, and follow it around. You’ll encounter steep stairs down to the creek pretty quickly, and then you’ll need to climb back up the stairs on the other side as well (don’t miss the troll called Quincy hanging out by the creek!).
If you have very small children, you may prefer to enter on the Bridgeview Trailhead side and skip the stairs altogether. But for many, wearing galoshes right into the creek or dropping sticks into it will be a highlight.
Bridgeview Trail Swings
The Bridgeview Trail swings are as wild as the trees and grasses. Installed by neighbors and artists, some appear while others are removed. In an Adventure Playground sensibility, they are firmly USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
There are some somewhat rickety swings not too far past the upper stairs on the Monterey Blvd. entrance side. Older kids will love them. Younger kids will fall off them (mine did). Don’t forget to look up, too!
For Whitney’s extended family, with kids ranging from 5 to 17, the rope swings were a must-do, and at least one thirty-seven-year-old was particularly gung-ho about testing each of them.
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Bridgeview Trail for Kids of All Ages
The 1.4 mile out and back hike is mostly flat and approachable for children ages 5+. There are fairly steep and uneven stairs on the Monterey Blvd. entrance, and many steep edges along the trail that aren’t fenced off. My two-year-old was unsteady on her feet with lots of tripping and falling. I carried her for a lot of the hike, and the stairs were a no-go. The trail is not stroller-friendly, so for smaller children, you may want to bring a backpack carrier if you’re going to give it a try.
My four-year-old was fine for almost the entire adventure, but lagged towards the end (he did ask to go back again as soon as we got home, though). My seven- and nine-year-olds ran ahead to find all the tiny hidden artwork and swings first. They were full-tilt leaning hard into the whimsical nature of the hike, and even brought swords to aid them in their treasure hunt. It was so nice to be on a hike where all the kids were engaged and enjoying themselves.
Big note about dogs: this is a popular path for dog walkers and hikers. Some dogs were not on a leash. Keep that in mind if you have dog-sensitive children.
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What to Bring On your Bridgeview Trail Quest
- Sturdy shoes or galoshes if you are comfortable with creek-stomping
- Backpack carrier for younger kids
- Be prepared for no restrooms
- Pretty much all in the shade, though a hat can never hurt
- Water and snacks
- Swords, just in case
The Bottom Line on Bridgeview Trail
If you’re looking for a fun and easy little hike with a dusting of magic to excite your kids to get out of the house, Bridgeview Trail is a terrific option. The anticipation of finding secret swings just around the bend makes the short hike much more than a boring old slog that Mom is forcing everyone to take.
To avoid stairs, park at the Bridgeview Trailhead side and turn back when you see the stairs.
Due to limited parking on Bridgeview Drive, Monterey Boulevard is strongly encouraged for those able to handle stairs.
