
Permanente Creek Trail
A scenic trail connecting to larger networks, offering wildlife views alongside the modern Google campus.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Permanente Creek Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic trail connecting to larger networks, offering wildlife views alongside the modern Google campus.
"Nice trail with wildlife right next to beautiful Google campus."

🚴 Bike with Caution
Be prepared to dismount frequently due to numerous gates.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain is great for walking and offers varied surfaces.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wildlife Encounters
Spot diverse wildlife amidst the urban landscape, a surprising natural oasis.

Google Campus Views
Enjoy scenic vistas of the modern Google Bay View campus alongside the trail.

Trail Linkages
Connect to the extensive Bay Trail and Stevens Creek Trail for extended walks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Gates & Bike Woes
Trail Connectivity & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Shoreline Amphitheatre - drop off and pick up spot
🚴 Bike with Caution
Be prepared to dismount frequently due to numerous gates.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain is great for walking and offers varied surfaces.
Shoreline Parking Alternatives
📍 Strategic Drop-off/Pick-up
Use Crittenden bridge for Shoreline concert traffic.
🔗 Explore Trail Networks
Link up with Bay Trail and Stevens Creek for longer routes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚴 Bike with Caution
Be prepared to dismount frequently due to numerous gates.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain is great for walking and offers varied surfaces.
📍 Strategic Drop-off/Pick-up
Use Crittenden bridge for Shoreline concert traffic.
🔗 Explore Trail Networks
Link up with Bay Trail and Stevens Creek for longer routes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Permanente Creek Trail for its natural elements and wildlife sightings, offering a pleasant walking experience. However, cyclists often find the numerous gates to be a significant drawback, making it a less-than-ideal route for continuous biking. The trail's connectivity to larger trail systems is a notable positive for those seeking longer excursions.
"Nice trail with wildlife right next to beautiful Google campus."
Jack Liou
"This is a short trial. I start a middlefied rd and link into bay trail and Steve's creek Trial. Great waking terrain!"
Dean Grant
"The worst trail for bikes that I have ever seen. There is a gate every few feet. I have to off load to get around every gate. Your tax dollars."
pegerita Keep
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Permanente Creek Trail is accessible from various points, including Middlefield Road. For concertgoers at Shoreline Amphitheatre, a suggested drop-off and pick-up spot is near the Google Bay View campus via the Crittenden bridge crossing of the Stevens Creek Trail.
Parking can be limited, especially near the Google campus. It's advisable to arrive early or consider alternative transportation methods like ride-sharing or a designated drop-off.
Yes, the trail runs alongside the Google Bay View campus, offering scenic views. Access points are available from the campus perimeter.
Many visitors start from Middlefield Road to access the trail and link into the Bay Trail and Stevens Creek Trail for a longer walk.
While direct public transport to every trailhead might be limited, you can use public transport to reach areas near the trail, such as Mountain View, and then walk or bike to an access point. Check local transit schedules for routes serving the surrounding areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Permanente Creek Trail is a public park and does not require any tickets or admission fees for access. It's free to use for walking, jogging, and cycling.
The trail is generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific hours may vary slightly depending on the exact access point and local park regulations, but it's typically accessible year-round during daylight hours.
The main restriction for cyclists is the presence of numerous gates that require dismounting. Otherwise, it's an open public trail.
While parts of the trail are paved and relatively flat, the presence of gates and some uneven terrain might pose challenges. It's best to check specific sections for accessibility if needed.
Dogs are generally allowed on the Permanente Creek Trail, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Always check local signage for specific park rules regarding pets.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The trail offers varied terrain, described as great walking terrain. While some sections are paved, be prepared for potential uneven surfaces and numerous gates, especially if you are cycling.
Many cyclists find the Permanente Creek Trail challenging due to frequent gates that require dismounting. If you're looking for a continuous cycling path, you might find other trails more suitable.
Visitors have reported seeing wildlife along the trail, making it a nice natural escape within the urban environment.
The Permanente Creek Trail itself is relatively short. However, it's a valuable connector to longer trail systems like the Bay Trail and Stevens Creek Trail, allowing for much longer excursions.
Amenities like restrooms are not extensively noted along the shorter sections of the Permanente Creek Trail. It's advisable to use facilities before you start your walk or plan your route to pass by areas with amenities.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo opportunities include the scenic views of the modern Google Bay View campus and any natural wildlife you might encounter. The trail's connection points to the Bay Trail also offer picturesque landscapes.
Yes, the trail offers a unique blend of urban architecture (Google campus) and natural elements, providing diverse subjects for photography. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the visual appeal.
Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour lighting, enhancing the scenery. Early mornings can also be good for capturing wildlife and a quieter atmosphere.
Drone usage is typically regulated in public parks and near private campuses like Google. It's essential to check local drone laws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area.
The distinctive architecture of the Google Bay View campus is a prominent landmark. The trail's integration with the natural creek and surrounding greenery also provides scenic backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the numerous gates if you're pushing a stroller or if your child is riding a bike, as frequent stops will be necessary. Parking can also be a consideration, so planning your arrival or using a drop-off point might be beneficial. Overall, it's a pleasant spot for a family stroll with a touch of nature.
🚴 Cyclists Seeking Adventure
If you're looking for a continuous cycling path, you might find this trail frustrating. However, if you enjoy a more varied route that includes short stops or if you're using it as a connector to the larger Bay Trail or Stevens Creek Trail, it can still be part of a larger cycling adventure. Be prepared for the stop-and-go nature of this particular path.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Runners
The opportunity to spot wildlife adds an engaging element to your workout. While it runs near the Google campus, it still provides a refreshing break with natural scenery. It's an ideal spot for a morning jog or an afternoon stroll.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Cycling the Permanente Creek Trail: A Reality Check
While the trail's terrain is described as 'great waking terrain,' this doesn't always translate to an ideal cycling path. If your primary goal is a long, uninterrupted bike ride, you might want to explore alternative routes or focus on the sections that connect to the larger Bay Trail or Stevens Creek Trail, which are generally more bike-friendly.
If you do plan to cycle, be prepared for these frequent interruptions. It might be best suited for casual riders who don't mind the stops or for those using it as a short segment within a larger, more varied route.
Connecting Trails: Expanding Your Journey
By integrating with these larger systems, you can transform a brief walk along Permanente Creek into a significant trek. This connectivity is a major advantage for hikers and runners looking to explore the local area without repeatedly navigating busy roads.
For instance, starting at Middlefield Road, you can easily join the Bay Trail for coastal views or head inland via Stevens Creek Trail. This network makes the Permanente Creek Trail a valuable starting point for a full day of outdoor activity.
Wildlife and Nature Amidst Tech
This juxtaposition of high-tech corporate environments and natural habitats creates a unique atmosphere. It's a reminder that even in developed urban areas, pockets of biodiversity can thrive. Keep an eye out for local bird species and other small creatures that call the creek and its surroundings home.
This natural element adds significant value to the trail, making it more than just a path between points A and B. It provides an opportunity for a peaceful nature walk and a chance to observe local fauna in their environment.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit