Where in the Bay Area (within 45 miles of Mountain View) can I take my
dog to swim? I already know about Fort Funston in SF and Lighthouse
Beach in Santa Cruz.

Please include at least one lake (or pond, lagoon -- any body of water
without big waves) in the reply.

Hello etterman,

Since nobody has replied, I thought I would mention my favorite
all-time dog park for you - Pt. Isabel, in Richmond. Its 21 acres and
leash free except for Pit Bulls. Dogs swim in inlets in tha Bay. Since
it is San Francisco Bay, it can get cold even on a summer afternoon,
but on a nice day, I have never found a better place to take my woofs.
Should be within your 45 mile limit.

http://www.ebparks.org/parks/ptisable.htm

DIRECTIONS

TO REACH THE PARK: From I-80 (the Eastshore Freeway) in Richmond, take
Central Avenue west to Point Isabel, adjacent to the U.S. Postal
Service Bulk Mail Center.

SPECIAL RULES FOR DOGS AT POINT ISABEL REGIONAL SHORELINE

Dogs, except for pit bulls, may be taken off leash at Pt. Isabel
Regional Shoreline. Any person allowing their animal to be off leash
must:

1) Carry a leash.
2) Keep their dog or other animal under voice control and within sight
at all times.
3) Clean up feces deposited by their dog or other animal and place it
in provided and marked containers or garbage cans.
4) Immediately leash any dog or other animal showing aggressivemess
toward people or other dogs or animals.
5) Prevent dogs or other animals drom digging or damaging park
resources.


Regards,

-=clouseau=-

Hi, 

I'm not posting this as an answer because I was not satisfied that
this information is exactly what you were looking for, but thought it
would at least be somewhat helpful.

Here are a few places for you to try from wag’n’train:
(http://www.wagntrain.com/dog_parks.htm)

1.Penitencia Creek Percolation Ponds. 
"Unconfirmed: unoffical off-leash running and swimming on undeveloped
land owned by San Jose Water District. Open to recreation, including
several ponds that dogs can swim in. There is a fence around the area
but no gate, just an opening. Located on Noble Ave. east of Piedmont,
across from Noble Park in San Jose. From Hwy 680 take Berryessa Road
east approx. 2 miles to Piedmont. Turn right (south) on Piedmont to
Noble (1st traffic light). Turn left (east) and drive approx. 1/3 of a
mile. The ponds are on the right (south) side of the street.”

2. Water Dog Lake Park. 
"Dogs are allowed on leash. Wag'N'Train has been told that dogs go
swimming in the reservoir but does not know if this is officially
allowed or not. Bikes and of course joggers and hikers are allowed so
be sure to keep your dog under control at all times.”
For directions, see http://mtb.live.com/rides/WaterDog.html or
http://www.weeklywalker.com/Walks%20by%20county/San%20Mateo/Water%20Dog_take%20a%20break.htm

Also, this page might be helpful: 
California State Parks
Where Can I take my Dog?
http://search.parks.ca.gov/cgi-bin/MsmGo.exe?grab_id=6517992&EXTRA_ARG=&CFGNAME=MssFind%2Ecfg&host_id=1&page_id=700&query=mountain+view&hiword=MOUNTAIN+VIEW+VIEWED+VIEWERS+VIEWING+MOUNTAINS+MOUNTAINOS+VIEWS+MOUNTA+VIEWER+VIEWABLE+

you could also try calling some dog training schools in your area: 
http://yp.yahoo.com/py/ypResults.py?stx=pet+store&stp=a&tab=&city=Mountain+View&state=CA&zip=&msa=7400&country=us&cs=4&ed=qByViq1o2TyMh84unjyuIru0wyYKI4wslcuiyEoRqXtdhg--

good luck, 
rmh
search: bay area dogs swim
california state parks
etc

Thanks clouseau and raisingmyhand!! -etterman

There is another "unofficial" swimmiing hole within 45 min. from
Mountain View.  In Fremont, the north side of the Alameda Creek Trail
is off leash, and in Niles, it butts up to Shinn Ponds, just East of
Quarry Lakes and the BART track.  Many dogs run down to the shore and
wade or swim there, though there are "No swimming" signs posted for
humans.  People fish in the pond, but usually only on the East and
North sides, so I don't think there is a problem with fish hooks.

To get there, take Niles Blvd. from Mission Blvd.  Turn West on J St.,
park in the park parking lot.  Walk up to the dirt/gravel Alameda
Creek Trail and then keep to your right.  Your dog will find the
swimming spots, but at the very Eastern edge of the pond there are
usually fishermen, so it's safer not to let him run in near there. 
Probably the best spot is at the most Western end of the pond.

Good luck!

Thanks, nilesgirl!