Fort McDowell (East Garrison)

Fort McDowell (East Garrison) sits on the east side of Angel Island in San Francisco Bay, accessible via a scenic 45-minute hike or 30-minute bike ride from Ayala Cove. Originally established as Camp Reynolds in 1899 to isolate soldiers with contagious diseases during the Spanish-American War, the post was renamed Fort McDowell in 1900. Major construction beginning in 1909 transformed it into a bustling recruit depot, processing over 300,000 soldiers destined for the Pacific Theater in World War II. The site closed in 1946 and now offers visitors recreational facilities including volleyball and baseball courts, picnic areas, and a visitor center showcasing its military heritage.