Apr 1, 2006 7:55 pm US/Pacific
Carquinez - Black Diamond Mines
Tom heads to the East Bay, and the base of Mount Diablo to explore two regional parks. There's hiking and biking above ground, and a coal-mining history tour that goes far underneath the surface.
Like most East Bay Regional Parks, Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline will let you take your dog, off-leash, to explore the surrounding trails and scenery. Bikers can enjoy a ride along Carquinez Scenic Drive, which is closed to through traffic. It's not often when you can explore a winding road with a gorgeous view and not feel like you're on the freeway!
http://www.ebparks.org/parks/carquin.htmDid you know there were ghost towns in the East Bay foothills? Nothing much remains of four large mining communities but an old graveyard and the mine shafts, but at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, you can roam to your heart's content over miles of trails above ground… or step back into Contra Costa history to see the workings of the old coal and silica mines under the surface! Mine tours are only open between March and November.
http://www.ebparks.org/parks/black.htmTo rent bikes for a tour of Carquinez Strait, Mount Diablo, or dozens of other East Bay trails, visit Montano Velo in Oakland's Piedmont District. Owner Jason Montano, with thousands of local miles under his treads, will be happy to give you the best advice on rides in the area.
Enjoy a pleasant stay in the area at the Crowne Plaza Concord Hotel, featuring 324 guest rooms with pool and fitness center, restaurant/bar, and high-speed Internet. It's centrally located to many East Bay outdoors destinations!
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hd/ccrjgYou can find additional information on these outdoors locations and others in Tom Stienstra's guidebooks, available from his website.
http://www.tomstienstra.comEmail Tom Stienstra at .
tstienstra@sfchronicle.com
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