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Eucalyptus Path (Oakland)

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Meet The Paths:
Eucalyptus Path -- Challenges, Charms, and Panoramas by Sandy Friedland
Berkeley Path Wanderers Association Newsletter -- Summer 2005 -- Vol. 8 No. 2

Although most of Berkeley’s paths are on the Northside, twenty-two stairways and footpaths grace its Southside. One of my favorites, the challenging Eucalyptus Path, is actually in Oakland. The lower entrance to the path is above the Claremont Hotel at the intersection of Alvarado and Alvarado Court (Hotel Place on the BPWA map). This path is long and steep, but its 139 steps are lined with handrails and punctuated with ramps.

If you take the path up, which I recommend, you’ll get a workout. Rest stops will let you enjoy the Bay views behind you and the eclectic houses, gardens, and gates on both sides. Eucalyptus Path provides the only access for residents, guests, and groceries of nine houses located along it. Six are nearly one hundred years old. During the firestorm, the path was a key evacuation route, and fire fighters hauled hoses up and down it. Although many houses on Alvarado were lost, on the path just the deck of #36 burned.

A series of double steps and short ramps comprise the first third of the path. Catch your breath on the bench at #27, where a pittosporum creeps over the trellis and matching gate. To your right is Sunset Trail, one of a few level paths in the Berkeley hills. Wander it for some spectacular glimpses of the Bay beyond the lower fences.

Returning to Eucalyptus, don’t miss the rustic gate at #36. At #44, completed in 2002, marvel at the elaborately carved doors, gate, and pillars from a former mosque in Pakistan. Numbers 43 and 51 are tucked along an interesting brick and concrete walk. As you near the summit, pink camellias, jumbo lemons, climbing roses, and wisteria cascade over fences. Return to Alvarado Road under the arching tangles of cotoneaster and weigela.

Once your pulse rate returns to normal, you can descend to your starting point by one of two routes. The first takes you left on Alvarado. Veer left onto Slater Lane, and go left again onto Evergreen Lane. At the cul-de-sac, take Evergreen Path back to lower Alvarado. Alternatively, turn right onto Alvarado and right again onto Willow Walk. When you reach #277 Alvarado Road, turn right and continue down to your starting point. Whichever direction you choose, you will enjoy the blend of new and old in this delightful Berkeley- Oakland neighborhood.