A
From Tarwater Trailhead
Pescadero Creek
County Park
"Nature is one place where miracles not only happen, but happen all the time."
- Thomas Wolfe
Directions: South on
Grade: Moderate to strenuous.
Elevation change of about 600 feet.
Distance: Six miles.
Time: Three hours.
Special Conditions: No dogs
allowed on trails. Bikes and horses limited to certain trails, but restricted
during the wet winter months. No restroom or water at the Tarwater trailhead,
but both are available at the
Park’s Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=539
We took this hike on Jan. 7, a week after high winds and heavy rain. Except for tree debris, the trails were in good condition, although we had to crawl through several small downed trees. But watch where you step. Wet conditions create slippery footing especially on mossy rocks and tree roots and wood steps.
From the Tarwater trailhead, turn
left on the Upper Coyote Ridge Trail, and in a few minutes, pass through a
small redwood grove. Five minutes later, you have gained 150 feet and are at
the ridgeline. For the next 15 minutes, you will hike along the ridge through a
forest of oak and fir. On a clear day, you will have good views of the
The trail drops from the ridge in a
series of switchbacks and joins the Coyote Ridge Trail (a loop trail out of
Turn left at the junction on Coyote
Ridge Trail. Numerous switchbacks lead to a deep ravine, where you cross a
seasonal creek on a plank bridge. The trail continues high above
the stream through a beautiful redwood forest. Soon you will cross the main
park road and descend some 32 wooden steps to the
Cross the bridge, and turn right on
From the park office, continue west
on the main road for a block or so to the Iverson trailhead. Follow the Iverson
Trail for a short distance to the Coyote Trail, which turns right. Continue
0.12 mile to the next junction, and go straight on the Pomponio Trail (not left
on the Iverson Trail). The trail continues narrow through huckleberry brush
below large redwood trees. Soon it widens, as it follows an old logging road.
When the Pomponio Trail intersects with
As you walk along Shingle Mill Creek, watch for the remains of old Mill equipment, part of a logging camp that operated in the early 1900s. Your hike up to the trailhead will gain about 525 feet on an unpaved road used to move cut timber from the canyon below. As you walk, watch for a very large redwood perched on a steep hillside on the left side of the trail. The tree is some 15 geet in diameter with a b urned-out core and two elbow-shaped limbs high on the trunk.
This is a beautiful hike anytime of the year, but especially during the winter rainy season. Small streams are running, the grass, rige is turning green, and the damp forest is sprouting new growth. A sure contender for you “most favorites” list.
Footnote: Your comments and hiking suggestions are always welcome. Email tom@tomdavids.com and check our website at www.weeklywalker.com.