Permanente Creek Trail - Image 1
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Permanente Creek Trail

4.1
·12 reviews·Mountain View, United States

A scenic trail connecting to larger networks, offering wildlife views alongside the modern Google campus.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
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Permanente Creek Trail - Image 1

Permanente Creek Trail

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic trail connecting to larger networks, offering wildlife views alongside the modern Google campus.

4.1
(12 reviews)

"Nice trail with wildlife right next to beautiful Google campus."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚴 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

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

Reddit
Google Campus Views

Google Campus Views

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

Reddit
Trail Linkages

Trail Linkages

Connect to the extensive Bay Trail and Stevens Creek Trail for extended walks.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Gates & Bike Woes

Cyclists beware: the Permanente Creek Trail is notorious for frequent gates, requiring dismounts. Consider alternative routes or be prepared for a stop-and-go experience if biking is your primary mode of transport. Reddit

Trail Connectivity & Parking

While the trail itself is short, it links to the Bay Trail and Stevens Creek Trail for longer excursions. Parking can be tricky, especially near the Google campus. Consider drop-off/pick-up points like the Crittenden bridge for concerts at Shoreline Amphitheatre. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, cooler temps
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Shoreline Amphitheatre - drop off and pick up spot

🚴 Bike with Caution

Be prepared to dismount frequently due to numerous gates. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The terrain is great for walking and offers varied surfaces. Reddit

reddit.com

Shoreline Parking Alternatives

📍 Strategic Drop-off/Pick-up

Use Crittenden bridge for Shoreline concert traffic. Reddit

🔗 Explore Trail Networks

Link up with Bay Trail and Stevens Creek for longer routes. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚴 Bike with Caution

Be prepared to dismount frequently due to numerous gates. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The terrain is great for walking and offers varied surfaces. Reddit

📍 Strategic Drop-off/Pick-up

Use Crittenden bridge for Shoreline concert traffic. Reddit

🔗 Explore Trail Networks

Link up with Bay Trail and Stevens Creek for longer routes. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(12 reviews)

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

Wildlife sightings
Trail connectivity
Pleasant walking terrain

What People Dislike

Frequent bike gates

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, the trail runs alongside the Google Bay View campus, offering scenic views. Access points are available from the campus perimeter. Reddit

Many visitors start from Middlefield Road to access the trail and link into the Bay Trail and Stevens Creek Trail for a longer walk. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The main restriction for cyclists is the presence of numerous gates that require dismounting. Otherwise, it's an open public trail. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🚶 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Visitors have reported seeing wildlife along the trail, making it a nice natural escape within the urban environment. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour lighting, enhancing the scenery. Early mornings can also be good for capturing wildlife and a quieter atmosphere. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Permanente Creek Trail offers a relatively short and accessible option for families. While the trail itself is not extensive, its connection to the Bay Trail and Stevens Creek Trail allows for adaptable outing lengths. The presence of wildlife can be a great point of interest for children, turning a simple walk into a mini-safari. Reddit

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. Reddit

🚴 Cyclists Seeking Adventure

For cyclists, the Permanente Creek Trail is more of a navigational challenge than a smooth ride. The trail is known for its frequent gates, which necessitate dismounting and maneuvering your bike around them. Reddit

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. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Runners

Walkers and runners will find the Permanente Creek Trail to be a pleasant experience. The terrain is described as 'great walking terrain,' offering a good surface for exercise. The trail's connection to the Bay Trail and Stevens Creek Trail means you can easily extend your walk or run for miles, creating a personalized route. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Cycling the Permanente Creek Trail: A Reality Check

For cyclists, the Permanente Creek Trail presents a unique challenge. It's frequently cited as 'the worst trail for bikes' due to an abundance of gates, each requiring riders to dismount and maneuver their bikes around. This makes for a stop-and-go experience that can be frustrating for those seeking a continuous ride. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Connecting Trails: Expanding Your Journey

The Permanente Creek Trail, though short on its own, serves as a crucial connector to more extensive trail networks. It seamlessly links with the Bay Trail and the Stevens Creek Trail, opening up possibilities for much longer and more diverse excursions. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Wildlife and Nature Amidst Tech

One of the most surprising aspects of the Permanente Creek Trail is the presence of wildlife. Despite running adjacent to the bustling Google Bay View campus, the trail offers a pocket of nature where visitors can spot various animals. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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