Friday Five

Imagine walking along the hills of the East Bay and stumbling across a mysterious staircase. One flight of steps is visible, while the rest disappears into the trees. If you’ve spent enough time in Oakland or Berkeley, you’ll know what I mean. It’s hard to know if the stairs lead to an apartment building or something scary — which is why many of us usually choose not to follow them and see where they go. The next time this happens, though, you might want to think twice before chalking them up as any old staircase.

In the aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, many residents left the city and settled in Oakland and Berkeley, building new homes that were perched in the hills but that lacked easy access to streetcars. Many staircases, including the ones that still remain today, were built to make it easier for residents to reach transportation. While they aren’t always obvious to the naked eye at first glance, they’re definitely worth seeking out — and climbing — for the lovely views and quiet public space they offer.

1. The Cleveland Cascade

If you’ve walked along Lake Merritt and gazed at the northern end of the lake, you’ve likely noticed a staircase tucked between two apartment buildings — the Cleveland Cascade. In 1923, the stairway used to be a cascading fountain that mimicked the style of old Italian architecture. In the 1950s, the water line to the fountain was shut off, leaving it dry and neglected. It remained that way until 2004, when a group of neighborhood volunteers used hand tools to excavate the leftover basins. Today, it’s still maintained by the Friends of the Cleveland Cascade. If you make your way up the steps, you’re guaranteed to encounter beautiful views of Lake Merritt and Oakland.

Between Lakeshore Avenue and Merritt Avenue (Oakland) | yelp.com

2. Morcom Municipal Rose Garden stairs

Located behind the Ace Garden Center on Grand Avenue, this is the closest you’ll get to a stairway to heaven in Oakland. After climbing for a few minutes, your breath will be taken away by the gorgeous view of the Morcom Municipal Rose Garden. The open public space is home to 6,000 rose bushes on eight acres and is full of peaceful paths.

700 Jean Street (Oakland) | yelp.com

3. The Oakmore steps

In the 1920s, this lengthy staircase was built to offer locals gorgeous views and easy access to the streetcar line that ran across the Leimert Bridge. Today, it’s just a staircase, albeit one that offers some of the best views of Oakland. From Leimert Boulevard, walk up to Arden Place, where a green sign will tell you when you’ve reached the stairway. There are four sets of staircases, and the last ones offer panoramic vistas across the city.

Leimert Boulevard and Arden Place (Oakland) | 52walks

4. The Yosemite Steps

If you want to take your time on a secret staircase and read some poetry along the way, the Yosemite Steps are for you. Located at the intersection of the Alameda and Solano Avenue, the Yosemite Steps are lined with poetry taped to the fences surrounding it, offering a magical experience for visitors. To some, it’s known as “poetry path,” while for others, it’s truly off the beaten path. The top is home to gorgeous views of Berkeley too.

The Alameda and Solano Avenue | Google Maps

5. Orchard Lane Steps

Another Berkeley favorite, the Orchard Lane Steps are a weekend adventure for many a local resident. These stairs were built in 1910, and those who have climbed them over the last decade consider the experience iconic. The Orchard Lane Steps have more of a secret-garden vibe to them, which is part of the appeal. Located on a walking path that can be found between 1 and 5–11 Panoramic Way, these stairs will take you to the Panoramic Hill residential neighborhood.

Panoramic Way (Berkeley) | hmdb.org