Weekly Walker: Loop Through Second Growth Redwoods

[Editor's Note: Watch for this column each Thursday on Patch by local hiking enthusiast Tom Davids. This week's hike is to Portola Redwoods State Park and Pescadero Creek County Park.]

By Tom Davids

On Saturday, November 9,  our hike is in Portola Redwoods State Park and Pescadero Creek County Park. This is a long 12 mile loop on the Butano Ridge Loop Tr. with a 2200' elevation gain.  Most of the loop is through second growth redwood and there are limited ridge top views. Our return is on the Pomponio Trail which runs parallel to and north of Pescadero Creek.

After leaving the trail head, the only toilet facility is at Shaw Trail Camp, 8 miles into the hike.

There is a $5 per hiker fee for this hike, payable to the Park and Recreation Dept. And, a charge of $10 per car for admittance to Portola State Park. No dogs allowed.

We will car pool from the Sam Trans Garage, leaving at 8am  and returning about 4pm. If you drive direct, take Skyline Blvd. to Alpine Rd, go west on Alpine Rd. 3.4 miles and turn left on State Park Rd.  Continue another 3.3.miles to park headquarters. 

Please call or email Tom at 650-703-4827,or tomdavids@comcast.net if you plan to join Saturday's hike.