See and Do!
Brooks Island Regional Preserve
About The Park
Located just off the Richmond Inner Harbor, this 373-acre island preserve in San Francisco Bay has a colorful history and provides wonderful views of the Bay Area from its 160' rocky peak. Back to top
History
The island's original inhabitants were Ohlone Indians who lived there for thousands of years. Later, in the early 19th century, it became part of Rancho San Pablo. With the advent of European settlers, the island was used for sheep and cattle grazing, oyster-raising, and extensive quarrying. Over the years, Brooks Island has had many owners—and has been known by a variety of names, including Isla de Carmen, Rocky Island, Bird Island, and Sheep Island. The East Bay Regional Park District acquired the island in 1968. Back to top
Park Features
The environmentally sensitive island is a marvelous bird sanctuary. Over 18 species of birds nest there, including Caspian Terns, Black-crowned Night Herons, gulls and ducks. The island also supports an unusual variety of plant communities, including native Coastal Grassland that persists in a relatively undisturbed state. There is also a salt marsh and many acres of Northern Coastal Scrub. In spring, the wildflowers put on a colorful show. Back to top
Park Activities
Access to Brooks Island Regional Preserve is by reservation only. The Park District offers two kinds of naturalist-led kayak tours: "bring-your-own-boat" trips and outfitter-led trips. Telephone 1-888-EBPARKS or visit EBparks Online for reservations or more information. Facilities on the island are minimal. Back to top
Park Accessibility
The island is not accessible to wheelchair users at this time. Back to top
Trail Map
Park Info
- Address
- Located off the Richmond Inner Harbor
- Download Brochure
- Phone Number
- Toll Free: 888-EBPARKS (888-327-2757), option 3, extension 4510
- Local Weather
- Maps
- View Trail Map
- Download PDF Map
- Yahoo Map to Richmond Marina
- Park Hours
- Restricted access by arrangement only. Call 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757 to make a reservation
- Park Events
- Click here for upcoming events
- Guided Tour Fee
- Check EBparks Online for fee information
- Camping Reservations
- No reservable campgrounds
- Picnic Reservations
- No reservable sites
- Emergency Number
- 911
- EBRPD Headquarters
- 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757