San Pedro Valley County Park
"There are many schools of walking and none of them orthodox."
-George Macauley Trevelyan
Directions: Highway 1 in Pacifica to Linda Mar Boulevard. Turn east and go to the end. Follow the sign to park entrance.
Grade:Moderate. Elevation gain of 700 feet.
Distance: 2.5 miles.
Time: One and a half hours.
Special Conditions: No dogs allowed. Open 8 a.m. to dusk. $4 fee per vehicle. Take time to explore the Visitors Center and picnic areas. Operated by San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Division (650-355-8289).
A recent health report suggests that eating three handfuls of peanuts suppresses the appetite for 24 hours and that walking even a short distance three times a week significantly improves cardiovascular health. Both claims are great news for me. Peanuts are my favorite food, and walking--well, that speaks for itself. This week's walk is great for anyone ready to start such a walking program. It is a short hike with enough lift to get your heart pumping.
San Pedro Valley County Park includes 1,250 acres of fine hiking. Last year we hiked the Hazelnut Trail, a 4.3-mile loop that rises out of the valley (Middle Fork, San Pablo Creek) on the flank of Montara Mountain. Last week we returned to the park to hike the Brooks Creek Trail in search of the elusive Brooks Falls. We had a fine hike, but never saw the falls, which run only during the rainy winter months. When active, the falls drops 175 feet in three tiers down the sheer side of Montara Mountain.
But don't wait until winter to enjoy this hike. The views are wonderful, and the refreshing ocean breeze is an unexpected bonus.
Starting from the parking lot to your right as you enter the park, the trail begins next to the restrooms. After a few steps, turn left at the junction. The Berry Falls Trail climbs into the canyon, and soon the picnic area is far below. We passed wild sweet peas and clumps of white and purple foxglove before entering a dense fir forest. Then the scene changes to a dense eucalyptus forest with many young, thin trees reaching high above for sunlight.
At the next junction, turn right (a wood bench is at trailside) and right again as the trail climbs. Views of Montara Mountain open up with a deep canyon below. The trail switchbacks into a ravine, crosses a new wooden bridge, and soon the location of the falls is in sight across the canyon A bench is at the viewing area dedicated to Bill Maher 1996. Continue past the view site, and hike through mahogany colored manzanita shrubs. Soon you will reach the junction with Montara Mountain Trail. The views from this point to Linda Mar and the ocean beyond are your reward. Turn right on the Montara Mountain Trail, and enjoy the gradual descent to the parking area. A series of switchbacks along the way move in and out of ravines. We were surprised at the lush, almost tropical growth in the deep, damp recesses.
The trail, which makes a loop hike, passes through a forest of eucalyptus trees, ending back at the restroom.
Written by: Tom Davids
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