Howe Homestead Park

2950 Walnut Blvd Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Howe Homestead Park is just a short walk from downtown and west entrance to Shell Ridge. By crossing the ancient stone bridge from Howe Homestead's parking lot, you get an image of the area emerging in the early 1930s. Hikers can walk 10 miles from Kovar Trail to Crest Diablo. First come, first serve basis, a small picnic area is available and a toilet is located in the park's main part.

The park is James Howe's former home, an Associated Press correspondent in the early 20th century. Born in Kansas, he traveled the world and covered events such as the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 and the First World War, interviewing many who influenced the world, including Lenin, King George V, and Gandhi.

He restored and set up his house after he retired to Walnut Creek in 1935. He was a winemaker, pigeon-breeder, nut-grower, gourmet, and collector. Originally this 6.5-acre park was home to James and Mia Howe who purchased it in 1910.

Howe was a legendary Associated Press globe reporter back when Mainstream Media wasn't an excellent concept. Named "Gopher Gulch," it now houses a park and a series of community gardens due to the large number of gopher holes on the farm. Five years ' waiting list to get one of the garden sites.

A small collection of ancient farming tools, including a walnut huller, is also on display. The Kovar Trail runs from the park to the Shell Ridge Open Space for those so inclined, and eventually to Mt. Diablo's peak. Yet despite only wanting a brief break from the day's chaos, Howe Homestead Park is a great place to visit.

Perhaps the most convincing feature of this park is the Kovar hiking trail leading to Shell Ridge's back open space. When you enter the greenhouse, you'll see a badly degrading sign reading "Kovar Trail" You can take this path up to the top of a hill with a three-way intersection. Only veered right, and some mini steep slopes went up. There is a stunning overlook where you can see all of Walnut Creek, beautiful rolling hills, and highway 24 and 680. This trail is less traveled, making it more enjoyable to soak up the views.