PACIFIC TRAIL SOCIETY

September through December 2003

September 6, Saturday Night -- Moonlight Hike at Tennessee Valley

Experience the wonder of Tennessee Valley and Muir Beach under the full moon (well, almost). We will hike 6 to 7 miles with some climbing. Meet at the Tennessee Valley parking lot at 6:45 PM; hike begins 7:00 PM.

 

Directions:

Take the Stinson Beach/Hwy 1 exit from 101 in Mill Valley. Go one-half mile and turn left on Tennessee Valley Road and then 2 miles to the parking lot.

 

For more information contact Theo at tt4366@mindspring.com.  Check the date on the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes/calendar 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

 

September 14, Sunday -- Steep Ravine

Hike up Mt. Tam from Stinson Beach and back down through open meadows with spectacular views.  This is a 7 to 8 mile hike with 1,500 feet of climbing.  Bring your bathing suit for a quick dip in the ocean afterwards.  Meet at 11:00 in front of the Stinson Beach Firehouse; hike leaves at 11:15.  Please contact leader if you can take a carpooler.

 

For more information contact Gail at lgordon@peoplepc.com at least 24 hours before the hike.  RAIN CANCELS.  Check the date on the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes/calendar 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

 

September 20, Saturday -- Tomales Bay/Point Reyes *** CANCELLED ***

Walk 9 miles of mostly flat trails with gentle slopes along the picturesque Inverness Ridge.  Discover tranquil hidden beaches with smooth water warm enough to swim comfortably for hours.  Added bonus: ripe huckleberries along the trails. Bring lunch and a swimsuit if you want to take a dip in the sun-heated bay. There is an optional refreshment stop in Point Reyes Station after hike.  Meet 11:00 at Johnstone Trail head.

 

Directions:

101 north, take Sir Francis Drake Boulevard to Olema, right on Hwy 1, after 2 miles left on Sir Francis Drake Hwy, past the town of Inverness, right turn on Camino Del Mar, the end of road is the trail head parking lot.  Leader will stop at 76 Union Gas Station on Geary/Park Presidio at 9:45. Let him know if you need a ride.

 

For more information, contact Kevin iceplant@yahoo.com for questions or on day of hike only 415-305-2728 (cell).  Check the date on the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes/calendar 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

 

September 21, Sunday -- Bass Lake (Palomarin Trailhead), Point Reyes

The Palomarin Trailhead is the southernmost staging area on the Point Reyes Peninsula.  From here we will hike along the coast to the north passing Bass Lake (if weather permits, might stop for a quick dip) and onward to Wildcat Camp, about 6 miles from the trailhead.  Palomarin is a quiet trailhead, as bikes and dogs are not allowed on trails in this section of Point Reyes.  Read about this hike and view photos at http://www.bahiker.com/northbayhikes/palomarin.html.  This will be a fast paced hike (approximately 7-8 miles at quick speed).  Bring two water bottles, lunch, snacks (to share), layered clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.  Meet in parking lot at 10:30. 

 

Directions:

From Hwy 101 in Marin County, exit Hwy 1/Mill Valley/Stinson Beach.   Drive on Shoreline Hwy to the junction with Almonte, about 1 mile. Turn left and drive about 2.5 miles to the junction with Panoramic.  Continue straight on Hwy 1 about 13 miles to an undersigned junction with Olema-Bolinas Road (just past Bolinas Marsh). Turn left. At the T intersection, turn left (street sign says Olema-Bolinas Road both ways), drive about 1 mile, and then turn left. Drive to the next stop sign, and then turn right onto Mesa Road. Drive about 4 miles, and then continue the last 1-mile on the dirt road to the trailhead at the end of the road.

 

For more information contact Colleen at colleen_oshea@yahoo.com.  RAIN CANCELS.  Check the date on the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes/calendar 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

 

September 28, Sunday -- Oakland Hills

Come check out Oakland’s Redwoods, rambling, hilly 9-mile hike in and around Redwood Regional Park. We’ll have a late lunch break poolside so bring your suit and a couple of bucks or your EBRPD card (if you have one, you know what it is).  Meet at 10:00; hike starts at 10:15.

 

Directions:

From Bay Bridge take 580 to 24, then 13 South. Take Park Boulevard exit, turn left and then left on Mountain Boulevard. Right on Snake Road (1st light) which becomes Shepherd Canyon Road. Wind your way up to Skyline, take a right and look for the Skyline parking lot on the left (about 1/3 mile).

 

For more information, contact Liv at livimset@yahoo.com.  Check the date on the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes/calendar 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

 

October 5, Sunday -- Butano State Park

10-mile hike with ocean views and spectacular redwood forests through this little visited coastal park near Half Moon Bay.  After hike dinner option in Pescadero at a seafood restaurant.  Meet 11:00 at the park entrance; hike leaves at 11:15.

 

Directions:

280 to Hwy 92 to Hwy 1 South, left on Pescadero Road through town, right on Cloverdale Road to Park.

 

For more information, contact Kevin at iceplant@yahoo.com (415-305-2728 cell). Leader will stop at the Union 76 Gas Station on Geary/Park Presidio at 9:30; let him know if you need a ride.  Check the date on the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes/calendar 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

 

October 12, Sunday -- Sky to Sea - Pt. Reyes Sky Trail Loop

Traverse Pt Reyes from its upper forests to its southern beaches. We'll cover terrain from Sky Camp to Arch Rock (some climbing required) and tide permitting continue along the shore to Kelham Beach for lunch. After an easy walk along Coastal Trail, we'll trek back up to Sky Trail with just 1.5 miles of backtracking. Distance: 14 miles. Meet at 10:30 at the Sky Trail/Sky Camp parking area; hike leaves at 10:45 and ends around 5 PM.

 

Directions:

Sir Francis Drake to Olema. Turn right at Hwy 1; take the first left on Bear Valley Road; continue past headquarters to Limantour Road; turn left and continue uphill for about 5 minutes; look for Sky Trail/Sky Camp sign. Come with layered clothing, water (2+ liters), lunch & snacks.

 

For more information, contact Jo at blafnout@yahoo.com. HEAVY RAIN CANCELS.  Check the date on the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes/calendar 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

 

October 19, Sunday -- Three Valley Trek - Marin's Southern Coast

This challenging route will take us by beaches (Muir, Tennessee, Rodeo), up ridges and down into valleys for a thorough exploration of Mt. Tam's tumble into the Marin Headlands. Distance: 15 miles. Total elevation: 4,000 ft.  Meet at Muir Beach at 10:30 -- gather near the picnic tables at the far end of the parking lot. Hike leaves at 10:45; ends by 5 PM. Bring sunscreen, layered clothing, plenty of water, lunch and snacks.

 

Directions:

Take Hwy 101 to the Stinson Beach/Hwy 1 exit. After one mile, turn left at the stoplight, staying on the Shoreline Hwy towards Stinson Beach. Turn left at the Pelican Inn to the Muir Beach parking lot.

 

For more information, contact Jo at blafnout@yahoo.com. HEAVY RAIN CANCELS.  Check the date on the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes/calendar 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

 

October 26, Sunday -- Wildcat Camp

Hike out to the beach via Bass Lake on this 10-mile moderate hike in southern Point Reyes.  Meet at the Palomarin trailhead at 11:00; hike leaves at 11:15.

 

Directions:

From San Francisco, take Hwy 1 to Stinson Beach.  Proceed north towards Point Reyes; turn left about 3 or 4 miles out of Stinson at the first junction towards Bolinas (unmarked).  Turn left at the T intersection, then right on to Mesa Road. Proceed to the trailhead passing the Point Reyes Bird Observatory.  Allow an hour from San Francisco.

 

For more information contact Gail at lgordon@peoplepc.com at least 24 hours before the hike.  Please contact leader if you can take a carpooler.   RAIN CANCELS.  Check the date on the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes/calendar 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

 

November 2, Sunday – Mission Peak

 

Join us to make the over 2,000 foot climb of Mission Peak in Alameda County.  The hike will be 7 to 9 miles and strenuous but the views should make the effort worthwhile. Meet at the trailhead at 10:30; hike begins at 10:45. Bring lunch, layered clothing and plenty of water (none is available on the trail). 

 

Directions:

From Hwy 880 in Fremont, take the Warren/Mission Boulevard exit, go 1.5 miles northeast on Mission Boulevard and turn right on Stanford Avenue. Drive about 0.5 mile to the trailhead parking area. The drive is over one hour from San Francisco so leave plenty of time.

 

For more information contact Theo at tt4366@mindspring.com. HEAVY RAIN CANCELS.  Check the date on the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes/calendar 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

 

November 9, Sunday – Purisma Creek Redwoods

The Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is located on the western slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains overlooking Half Moon Bay.  This magnificent preserve, encompassing over 3,000 acres, offers a wide variety of environments. We will hike approximately 9 miles, taking the Whittemore Gulch Trail up, and the Soda Gulch and famed Purisima Creek Trail back down, the canyon, with about a 1200' assent/descent.  The canyon provides towering redwoods and an understory of ferns, berries, and wildflowers and is located in a park area that is generally considered one of the most beautiful in San Mateo County. 

 

Directions: 

South on Highway One through Half Moon Bay, continue another mile outside of town to Higgins Purisma Road.  Left at intersection and proceed about 15 minutes to parking lot at end of road.    Allow at least an hour to get to this location from SF.  Parking is limited.  Meet in the parking lot at 10:15 am, hike begins at 10:30 a.m.  Estimated finish time around 3:00 p.m.  Rain cancels.  Duarte's in Pescadero for famous Green Chili Soup an option for après-hike. 

 

For more information, contact David G. at dmg@phillaw.com.  Check the date on the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes/calendar 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

 

November 16, Sunday – Dharma Walk

Join us for a journey to the zendo the old fashioned way.  Shake off the sins of Saturday night and meet us at the trailhead parking lot in Tennessee Valley at 8:30 for an 8:45 pilgrimage over Coyote Ridge to Green Gulch Zen Center.  There we will sit for the Dharma talk and take tea before hiking on to lunch overlooking the ocean.  This is a moderate 8-mile hike with two steep 1000-ft climbs and some mind twisting teachings.  Bring water, hat, sunscreen, lunch, layered clothing and money (in case the monks bake muffins that day). 

 

Directions:

Take Hwy 101 to the Stinson Beach/Hwy 1 Exit and follow Hwy 1 for about 1/2 mile and go left on Tennessee Valley Road following it to the end. 

 

For more information contact Chris at chrischouteau@earthlink.net.  Check the date on the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes/calendar 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

 

November 23, Sunday - Ohlone Wilderness Trail

 

Explore deep into the East Bay's backcountry through the Sunol and Ohlone Regional Wilderness areas.  We will hike from the Sunol ranger station, across Rose Peak to Del Valle, along the way visiting such places as Little Yosemite and Schleiper Rock.  A car shuttle will take us back to the starting point at Sunol.  Expect wildlife sightings, but watch out for the feisty cattle!  This will be a long day at a fast pace - 20 miles and 4,000 feet elevation gain.  Bring food, layers, and at least 2 liters of water.   There is no water available along the trail.  Meet at 9:45 at the Sunol Ranger Station Visitors Center, we will leave promptly at 10:00. 

 

Directions:

From 580 east take 680 south to the second Sunol exit (Hwy 84).  Turn left, under the freeway, and follow Calaveras road to the park turnoff (left) at Geary Road, then to the park entrance. 

 

Please RSVP to Joel by Friday November 21 at joel2cox@earthlink.net so we know how many people to accommodate on the car shuttle, and let Joel know if you can take carpoolers or help with setting up the car shuttle.  Check the date on the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes/calendar 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

 

November 30, Sunday -- Montara Mountain / Brooks Creek Trail 

Considered one of the best one-way hikes in the Bay Area, this 7.3 mile hike

leaves from San Pedro Valley County Park, passes an albeit seasonal 175 foot

water fall, climbs to Montara Mountain (on a clear day you can see forever

from this 1,898 summit), and then drops down through McNee Ranch State Park

to Montara State Beach.  We’ll organize car shuttles and hang out on the

Beach if the weather’s good. 

 

Directions:

From San Francisco, take hwy 1 South into Pacifica.  Turn East on Linda Mar Blvd and drive until it dead-ends at Oddstad Blvd.  Turn right and drive to the park entrance, located about 50 yards on the left. Meet here at 10:30 am.  Hike starts at 10:45 am sharp. 

 

For more information contact Jennie at jennie65@hotmail.com.  Check the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes/calendar 24 hours before

the hike for any changes or announcements.

 

December 7, Sunday - Mt. Diablo Summit

This is the definitive Mt. Diablo hike - a total mountain experience close to home. On a clear day following a winter storm, the views are vast and simply stunning.  This is a challenging hike at a fairly fast pace, with some notably steep stretches. In wintertime the meadow trails can be very mucky.  Approx.14 miles with a 3400-foot elevation gain. Late lunch at the summit so start your day off with a big breakfast!  Bring plenty of food, water and attire appropriate for (wet, cold) conditions.  Meet at 10:15; hike leaves at 10:30.

 

Directions:

Take 24 east to the 680 split. Take I-680 N towards Sacramento. Keep right after the split. Take first exit after split for Ygnacio Valley Road; follow East for 7.5 miles. Turn right onto Clayton Road, go 1 mile. Turn right onto Mitchell Canyon Road; follow to end. Go through stop sign and park in main staging area at the end of the drive.

 

For more information contact Liv at livimset@yahoo.com.  Check the date on the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes/calendar 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.
 

December 14, Sunday – North Side of Mt. Tam

Join us on this Mt. Tam North Side jaunt of 10 to12 miles. Skirting the East Side of Alpine Lake, we will ascend beautiful Cataract Gulch with its continuous cascades, traverse the High Marsh Trail and descend to the banks of Bon Tempe Lake. Hike meets at the Alpine Dam parking lot at 9:45 and leaves at 10:00.

 

Directions:

Follow Sir Francis Drake Blvd. to Fairfax. Turn left before the parkade in town center. Turn right, then left again onto the Bolinas Fairfax Road. After about a mile turn left on Sky Oaks Road. Take the first right onto a dirt road that leads to the parking lot.

 

For more information contact Mary at mtnmusic@earthlink.net.  Check the date on the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes/calendar 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

 

December 21, Sunday – PTS Hike Leaders’ Christmas Dinner Hike

By invitation only.  Contact Liv at livimset@yahoo.com, Chris at chrischouteau@ earthlink.net, Theo at tt4366@mindspring.com or Gail at lgordon@peoplepc.com

December 28, Sunday -- Mt. Home Inn Roulette

Take a chance on the well-traveled flanks of Mt. Tam.  Walking is a risky business.  Once your feet hit the trail, who knows where they may take you – Inspiration Point or Foul Pool?  “Now far ahead the Road has gone, / And I must follow, if I can / Pursuing it with eager feet, / Until it meets some larger way / Where many paths and errands meet.  / And wither then?  I cannot say” (J.R.R. Tolkien).  Meet at the Mt. Home Inn at 10:30, hike begins at 10:45. Approximate time to return is 3 PM.

 

Directions:

Take the Stinson Beach/Hwy 1 exit from 101 in Mill Valley. After 1 mile, turn left at stoplight (staying on Hwy 1). After 2.5 miles, turn right onto Panoramic Hwy and go 3 miles to the parking lot across from the Mt. Home Inn. It will take about 30 minutes to get to the meeting spot from the GG Bridge.

 

For more information contact Chris at chrischouteau@earthlink.net.  Check the date on the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes/calendar 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

 

End of listing

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