GREAT ESCAPE: Cool Off at Anderson Lake

Looking to beat the heat? You probably know that Anderson Lake County Park east of Morgan Hill is a great place for boating, fishing and waterskiing, but the 3,100-acre-plus park also has opportunities for a variety of other activities, like hiking and picnicking.

What to do here: The park, part of the Santa Clara County park district and the site of the county's largest reservoir, encompasses the multiple use trails of Coyote Creek Parkway, Jackson Ranch historic park site, Moses L. Rosendin Park, and Burnett Park. However, seeing as it’s summer, there’s no doubt that the lake is the major draw.

If you’re a fan of boating, jetskiing, waterskiiing, wakeboarding or tubing, the 7-mile-long lake is a perfect summer getaway. Fishing is permitted year-round at the reservoir, where largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, sunfish and catfish live, and fishing is also allowed in Coyote Creek from April through November.

Why we like it: If you have a boat and you like to use it, Anderson Lake is close and convenient for most Santa Clara County residents. And even if you’re not a water sports enthusiast, there are plenty of other things to do in this beautiful setting. There are several places to hang out, eat, and enjoy the views—on the east side of the lake, the Woodchopper’s picnic area offers tables and barbecues near the shoreline, while picnic areas can also be found along Coyote Creek below Anderson Dam, as well as two meant for groups of 50 or more that are available by reservation.

And even more to like: A 15-mile-long paved trail along Coyote Creek connects Anderson Lake with Coyote Hellyer County Park, and this relatively flat, tree-lined route is ideal for hikers, runners, bicyclists and skaters. In addition, an 8-mile horse trail runs roughly parallel to the paved pathway, beginning with an equestrian staging area at Burnett Avenue. Rest areas and emergency call boxes are provided, but no water is available along the trails.

About Anderson Lake County Park: Anderson Reservoir, the largest body of water in Santa Clara County, is named for Leroy Anderson, a noted conservationist and a leader on the Santa Clara Valley Water Conservation Committee. Construction of the dam and lake began after a $3 million bond act was approved by voters in 1949, and the reservoir is now part of a linked system of reservoirs for groundwater recharge. Because water quality must be maintained, the number of boat launches per day is limited to 170.

Directions and phone: It’s a big park, and directions vary depending on what you want to do. To reach the majority of the facilities for Anderson Lake County Park, including the boat launch area, ranger station and trail heads, take Highway 101 to the Cochrane Road exit heading east. Continue to Malaguerra Avenue and turn left; the park is at 19245 Malaguerra Ave., Morgan Hill.

For the Woodchopper’s picnic area, take 101 to the Dunne Avenue exit and head east; continue to follow around the lake and over the bridge and follow signs to the picnic area.

Trail heads for the Coyote Creek Parkway multiple use trails and equestrian trail can be reached by following Cochrane Road west from Highway 101 to Monterey Road. Turn right onto Monterey Road and after about a mile, turn right onto Burnett Avenue to the trail head. For maps of the lake and creek areas, click here. 

Lake use hours are 8 a.m. until 30 minutes before sunset. A day use fee of $6 is charged per vehicle, and it’s also $6 to launch a boat; annual passes are available if you plan to be a frequent visitor. Boat launch reservations must be made for Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

For information and reservations, see parkhere.org or call 408-355-2201; to reach the Anderson Lake ranger station, call 408-779-3634.