"Jane's Retreat"

Toyon Trail on Coal Mine Ridge

Town of Portola Valley

(Part of the series, "Benches and Other Great Places for Lunch")

"We should go forth on the shortest walk, perchance in the spirit of undying adventure, never to return."            - Thoreau

Directions: From Highway 280, take Alpine Road south. Continue past the junction with Portola Road about three-quarters of a mile to the intersection of Willowbrook Drive. Just before the intersection, you will find limited parking on the north side of Alpine Road. If this area is full, park on the west side of Willowbrook Drive.

Grade: Easy. Elevation gain of 100 feet.

Distance: One mile round trip.

Time: As much as you like.

Special Conditions: The Portola Valley Town Trails are located on private property. Please stay on the trails and follow the posted rules. For information, call the Town of Portola Valley at 650-851-1700.

            The network of trails through the town of Portola Valley are a testament to the town's foresight in adopting a Trails Plan way back in 1969. Since then, new developments and subdivisions must implement the plan as part of their site development. Two large purchases by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District of about 1,600 acres established the Windy Hill and Coal Creek preserves, mostly within town limits.

This short hike of one mile round trip is a brief but significant introduction to the Coal Mine Ridge area. "Jane's Retreat" is not a high-class spa for the rich and famous. There are no pools, massage tables, and health food buffet bars. It's just a simple bench, built from a half log, supported by wood block piers and located about 6 feet above the trail. Eight timber steps lead to the bench, and on its surface is carved a bird and the words, "Jane's Retreat."

Seated on the bench, you have good views of the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve to the west and north. Below, the sounds of Corte Madera Creek resemble those of a rushing mountain stream as the winter rainfall drains to the north.

If this bench does not suit you--it is in the shade and a bit damp during the winter--hike up the trail a short distance. You will find two large square timber benches at the trailside. Farther on, another bench the same as Jane's model is located at a turn-back point on the trail with a clear view into the Corte Madera drainage basin.

The upper part of the basin includes the Coal Creek Open Space Preserve, part of the MROSD system.

If you have time, continue on the Toyon Trail to junctions with the Old Spanish Trail and Coal Mine Trail. The ridge is a fine place to hike, especially during the cool winter months and when spring wildflowers begin blooming.

            Your comments and hiking suggestions are always welcome.

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