A Romantic Hike to Schilling Lake

Bay Area Date Hike to Schilling Lake

Overview: A 1.5 mile, mostly flat and almost completely shaded hike to the romantic Schilling Lake (and it’s dog-friendly!)

Distance: 1.5 Miles

Elevation gained: 200ft

Difficulty: Easy

Hiking time: 1 hour

Season: All year

Getting there: From 280, head West on Highway 84 towards Skyline Blvd (Hwy 35). Turn left into the parking lot

Parking lot address: Click here for directions

Managing agency: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District

Trail map: 

Nothing brings two people together like some quality time in the great outdoors. For my wife and I, it’s our favorite date night activity and way to share time together.

But let’s be honest, most of us are too busy with other parts of our lives and it’s hard to find time for a romantic outdoor getaway.

That’s why we were so excited when we found the this hike at Thornewood Open Space Preserve: a 1.5-mile hike to Schilling Lake (named after the property’s former owner August Shilling of the Schilling Spice Company). It felt like we had discovered a secret spot, a place all to ourselves.

This hike is relatively close to 280, which makes it easy to get to and convenient for a weeknight date. It’s also a great length if you’re just looking to spend some time together in a beautiful place, but don’t have time for an epic all day adventure.

Schilling Lake (more like a pond actually) itself is a very romantic setting. It almost feels like you’re on a movie set – tucked away in a pocket of tall redwoods, western sword ferns and California bay laurel. And there are big logs right at the edge of the lake where you can sit and enjoy the stillness of nature. A special spot to share with your special someone.

And no date is complete without a meal. The trail happens to be just two miles from Alice’s Restaurant – the perfect place to grab a bite after this micro-adventure. Alice’s has been around a long-time and has more character than your dad’s old boots – and the food’s great too! If you’re craving a burger, be sure to try the Markegard Family Grass-Fed beef. A lot of their cattle graze on POST-protected farmland and these cows are helping restore our local grasslands.

There you have it, folks. The perfect hike date night and fresh air fix for you and that special someone. Drive safe and have fun out there!