Tilden Park Steam Train at the Redwood Valley Railway — Attraction in Orinda

Invited and recommended by friends, it took 4 hours to walk 7.2 miles. Route: Seaview trail- Big Spring trail- Arroyo trail- Seaview trail returns to the parking lot far from Redwood Valley Railway (Tilden Steam Train). trail: Alternating shade and sun throughout, neither too hot nor too cold. There are many trail options, both short and long. There are wide concrete roads, wide dirt roads, and narrow tree-lined paths. There are several seats along the trail to rest and enjoy the view of San Francisco in the distance. At the highest point, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge on the opposite side. The air quality is poor today, so it is not clear to see. The scenery is changeable along the way, and you can also see hiking people one after another. There are also some cyclists who challenge themselves here, and this is a great choice. There are no trash cans and no toilets along the trail. Parking lot: We parked in the parking lot near the farthest by train. There are 3 car parks here. There is no space in the Tilden Stream Parking car park before 11:00. There are spots in the Tilden Stream Train Overflow Parking and another car park next to it, and there is no parking fee. Restrooms: Tilden Stream Train Overflow Parking and Tilden Stream Parking have restrooms, only Tilden Stream Parking has hand washing facilities. Tilden Steam Train The place to take the train is next to Tilden Stream Parking. You need to buy a ticket at the window opposite the entrance. Each ticket cost you $3.5. The whole journey takes about 10 minutes, and you need to wear a mask throughout the journey. Go further passing by the entrance, it is a place to take the small train, the whole journey is about 5 minutes, and it is free. The place to take the small train was built by some train lovers open to the public for free. The staff are all seniors and build the tracks and trains by themselves. Great admiration for their dedication and passionate for trains! You can spend most of the day here, the ideal place to kill the...

This train ride is so much fun! I don't know why we didn't go here sooner. The ride takes about 12-15 min.

There was a long line when we went (July/Summer noon). If you're a solo parent, make sure you go all the way down at the end to purchase the tickets first. Then wait in the long line to board. Otherwise, one parent hold the place in line with the kid and the other parent buys the ticket.

If plan to go on summer or sunny days, I highly recommend a hat - will need during the train ride. Fortunately the line to wait to board is mostly shady so that's a plus. I also recommend to bring food or snack. Definitely bring water. Depending if you plan to ride a few times or try different train rides, there are picnic areas (first come first serve) nearby. Snagged one of those spot and alternate with family members to ride and eat if plan to stay all day.

Depending on your child age, you can bring stroller (will need to leave when boarding train) but keep in mind some of the parking spot are not stroller friendly (dusty gravel) and no sidewalk.

When boarding train, the seat has different direction - we prefer the one we face each (it's good for photos) or the one where you face same direction.

I recommend going to bathroom before getting in line. Again if you're a solo parent, maybe try going after purchasing tickets and before getting in line to board. Despite the effort of the park to keep bathroom clean (gender neutral; has paper towel, soap, water, and toilet paper. Not sure how often they change/clean though), the bathroom still has some pee on the floor. No changing table though so plan an alternative.

Parking is a challenge so plan accordingly. The park itself is clean, shady, and staff are nice and friendly. The crowd are usually 'behave'. Recommend to bring poison ivy spray/meds JUSt in case. For other info, visit website but highly...

Hiden gem for kids and great place for us ( all big big adults ) to enjoy every moment like a kid.

It's amazing drive way to reach the park. We got there around 8:30. Made a few hikes around then come back to the train station. It's open at 11. Usually the train runs only in Weekends. But I do believe they open daily for summer season.

Plan to get here early. You can enjoy the wonderful sun rise view. There's couples stop spot for taking pics. Park has plenty of free parking. Two toilet spots. Just ok!!! Not so clean.

Steam train ticket : $4/person. Discount for groups of 5. Cash and card payment accepted. No need to make any reservations. It's easy to purchase right before the right. Ticket booth right next to the train entrance area.

It's just 15 mins ride but very pleasant and good for kids to enjoy the beautiful peaceful redwoods. Even small kids . Highly recommended for family.

After done the steam train. You can stop by the tiny train museum. Where they are doing engines maintenance.

Aside from the fun steam train. You can go for hiking around the park. Just make sure be careful and bring some emergency essentials. I feel a little bit scared for going hike here as someone had seen coyotes and some buffalo around area.

Further than that you can go for a really fun “merry go around “ - 2 mi drive from the steam train. You can hike there but i’m not so sure about the trail map if it’s available online. As google map just show the drive route.

Tilden’s located right next to Berkeley city. 10 mins from golden gate. Highly recommended for family with kids. A lot of fun for kids to half day experience the nature at very...