PACIFIC TRAIL SOCIETY

April through August 2003

 

Soggy footing and glorious wildflowers are expected on this challenging hike. Approx.12 miles with a 1900-foot elevation gain. Meet at 10:15; hike leaves at 10:30.  Bring plenty of food, water and attire appropriate for wet conditions. 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 info contact Liv at livimset@yahoo.com.

 

Check the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

A car shuttle brings us to the pass on Mt. St. Helena for this moderate, 5-hour hike. We ascend a ridge and traverse the top of the palisades, a steep escarpment of volcanic origin, from which we will have sweeping views of the Napa Valley. We descend to Calistoga through fields of flowers and stands of pine and oak; 10 miles total. Meet at the crossroads of Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail at 11:00. Drive north on I-80. Exit onto American Canyon Road. and head west. Turn right onto Highway 29 and proceed through to the east end of Calistoga. The start of the hike is a 1.5-hour drive from the SF Bay Area. Contact Mary at 510-841-4468 or mtnmusic@earthlink.net.

 

Check the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

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 wildflowers in profusion, 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, more if the weather will be hot.   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.  From 580 east take 680 south to the second Sunol exit (Highway 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 April 18 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 calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

This is a chance to experience a trip to the beach from another century.  Are you from pioneer stock?  Join us on this hardy, romantic excursion by foot from small town backyards, across the flanks of Mt. Tam to the ocean and back.  This will be a beautiful trek by coastal streams, across open slopes and under towering redwoods with many wildflowers and vistas.  It is also a long day at a fast pace for experienced hikers (approximately 20 miles) and there will be three steep 1000 to 2000 ft climbs and descents.  Bring two water bottles, lunch, snacks, layered clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.  The group meets at 10:00 and hike starts at 10:15 in front of the Library on Throckmorton Avenue and Elma Street in Mill Valley.  Take the East Blithedale exit from Highway 101 coming from north or south and go west on Blithedale about two miles to Throckmorton in the heart of downtown.  Turn left on Throckmorton and wind through downtown a few blocks to Old Mill Park and the Library on your left.   For more information, contact Chris at 415-986-6370 or email chrischouteau@earthlink.net.

 

Check the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

A beautiful loop trip to Alamere falls in Point Reyes beginning from Five Brooks Stables.  We will climb to the crest of Inverness Ridge then descend to Alamere Falls, which tumbles over a bluff onto the beach. We will then walk up Wildcat Beach to Wildcat Camp before returning back over the ridge. Take Sir Francis Drake to the intersection with Highway 1 at the town of Olema. Head South on Highway 1 approximately 3 miles to the Five Brooks Stables parking area on your right. Meet at 10:00, hike starts promptly at 10:15. Questions to christopher_fulton@hotmail.com.

 

Check the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

Portola Redwoods State Park's 3000+ acres nestled at the base of Butano Ridge lie along the northeast side of Pescadero Creek on ridges bisected by Peters, Evans, Evergreen and Slate creeks.  The park is a natural stream basin of mixed evergreen forest, featuring old growth and second growth redwoods, with an understory of fern and huckleberry.  Our hike will take us on a moderately strenuous 12 mile out and back to the Peters Creek Canyon, which contains some of the most spectacular old growth redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains.  The canyon's grove, located at the confluence of the Bear and Peters creeks, is a magical place of magnificent monarch redwoods -- many at least 12 feet in diameter -- pervaded by a hushed silence broken only by the sounds of the creek slapping against rocks and tree roots, fallen logs and boulders.  These giant trees -- some of the biggest and oldest in the state -- are well worth the trip to behold.

 

Directions:  South on 280 to Page Mill Road west.  Crossing Skyline Drive, Page Mill becomes Alpine Road.  Proceed to Portola State Park Road, turn left and continue to the park entrance.  Allow at least 1 & 1/2 hours to get to this location from SF.  Meet in front of the park office and visitor center at 10:15; hike begins at 10:30. Estimated finish time around 4:00. For more information, contact David G. at dmg@phillaw.com. 

 

Check the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

Panoramic views of the East Bay hills, Mt. Diablo, and Mt. Tamalpais on a good day. Moderate 9-mile hike on rolling hills, some short steep sections. Meet at 10:30 at the Bear Creek Staging Area (fee parking), hikes leaves at 10:45. Take 24 East to Orinda exit. Left off of exit onto Camino Pablo, go 2 miles. Turn right onto Bear Creek Road, go 4 miles. Look for Bear Creek Staging Area on right. For info contact Liv at livimset@yahoo.com

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 1500 feet of climbing. Meet at 11:00 in front of the Stinson Beach Fire House; hike leaves at 11:15.  Please contact leader if you can take a carpooler. For info contact Gail at lgordon@peoplepc.com at least 24 hours before hike.  RAIN CANCELS.

 

Check the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

Two ferry rides and all the walking you could hope for in between.  Group meets at the Golden Gate Ferry ticket booth behind the Ferry Building in San Francisco at 10:30 for the 10:40 ferry to Larkspur.  We walk through Larkspur to Baltimore Canyon and up onto the slopes of Mt. Tam, around the mountain and across the coastal ridges to Sausalito catching the ferry back to San Francisco (arriving at 8:00).  This is an epic trans Marin tramp with many habitats, trails, and glorious views.  It is also a long day at a fast pace for experienced hikers (approximately 20 miles at 3+ mph) and there will be two 1500 ft climbs and descents.  Bring two water bottles, lunch, snacks, layered clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.  For information on ferry tickets, contact Golden Gate Ferry http://www.goldengateferry.org/schedules/index.html.  For more information, contact Chris at 415-986-6370 or chrischouteau@earthlink.net.

 

Check the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

A moderate to strenuous 9- to 10-mile hike (1500 feet of climbing) along Alpine Lake and Cataract trail to Cataract Falls; views and redwood forest are among the attractions. Meet at trailhead at 10:30; hike begins at 10:45. From Highway 101, take Sir Frances Drake Blvd west through San Anselmo to Fairfax. Turn left on Pacheco (which is not marked), then right on Broadway, to pass in front of the Fairfax Theater. Just past the theater, turn left on Bolinas Road. Drive 8 miles on Bolinas Road to the dam at Alpine Lake. Cross the dam and continue 0.1 miles farther to the hairpin turn in the road. Park in the pullouts along the turn; the trailhead is on the left For info contact Theo at tt4366@mindsping.com.

 

Check the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

10-mile hike through spectacular redwood forests and ocean view in this little visited coast side park near Half Moon Bay.  Directions: 280 to Highway 92 to Highway 1 South, left on Pescadero Road through town, right on Cloverdale Road to Park. Meet 11:00 at the park entrance; hike leaves at 11:15. Optional dinner at a seafood restaurant in Pescadero after hike. 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 ride.

 

Check the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

A 5 mile hike from Cole Valley to Noe Valley, climbing to top of Twin Peaks via a hidden path through a lush canyon with many interesting stairways unique to SF. Optional refreshment/food stop in Noe Valley after the hike. Hike begins at 6:00 pm. Bring water/snack and hiking shoes. Meet in front of the Cafe Reverie at the corner of Cole and Carl streets at 5:45.   The N. Judah Muni stops right in front. Rain cancels. Contact Kevin at iceplant@yahoo.com or 415-309-2728.

Check the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

Explore a range of terrains around and atop Mt. Barnabe, including lush creeksides, oak forests and dry grasslands, plus a view from Tomales Bay to Mt. Diablo. If the weather's warm, you'll want to laze on boulders and cool your toes in Lagunitas Creek at this moderate hike's end. Distance: 9 miles; elevation gain: 1300'. Meet at 10:30 at Devil's Gulch parking area; hike leaves at 10:45. Bring plenty of water, plus lunch and snacks.  Directions: Samuel P. Taylor park is in Marin County on Sir Francis Drake, 15 miles west of San Rafael between the towns of San Geronimo and Jewell. We meet at Devil's Gulch trailhead, about 1 mile past the main park entrance (look for horse crossing sign).  Parking is somewhat limited and carpooling, if possible, is always a good thing (you, not PTS, arranges). HEAVY RAIN CANCELS. Contact Jo at blafnout@yahoo.com.

 

Check the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

Come check out Oakland’s Redwoods, rambling, hilly 9-mile hike under the canopy at Redwood Regional Park. 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). In Berkeley, go east on Ashby, take 13 South and follow directions as above. Meet at 10:00; hike starts at 10:15. For info contact Liv at livimset@yahoo.com.

 

Check the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

Don’t let the paucity of ferries in the title lull you into complacency – this is more arduous than the double ferry walk.  Group meets in front of the Pier 23 Restaurant on The Embarcadero at Greenwich Street in San Francisco at 7:15 and hike begins at 7:30.  Park somewhere between the Ferry Building and Pier 23 as we will be returning by boat to the Ferry Building at the end of the day.  From Pier 23 we will reverse commute to the suburbs of Marin as if the wheel had not yet been invented -- walking the GGNRA waterfront, bridge, headlands, Mt. Tam, and Corte Madera Creek all in one day.  The return ferry from Larkspur will get us back to SF around 6:30 pm.  This is a two-county traverse with nothing left out.  It is also a long day at a fast pace for experienced hikers (approximately 30 miles at 3+ mph) and there will be three 1500 ft climbs and descents.  Bring two water bottles, lunch, snacks, layered clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.  For more information contact Chris at 415-986-6370 or chrischouteau@earthlink.net.  For information on ferry tickets, contact Golden Gate Ferry http://www.goldengateferry.org/schedules/index.html.

 

Check the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

We'll take the long route from posh inn to funky biergarten on Mt. Tam's southside. Expect to top East Peak, ramble down to Muir Woods and climb back up to the Panoramic Highway to earn your beer at the Tourist Club (optional, but recommended). The route may change in hot weather, but plan on a hike too strenuous for beginners. Distance: up to 12 miles; elevation gain: up to 2100 ft. Meet at parking lot across from Mountain Home Inn at 10:30; hike leaves at 10:45. Bring sunscreen, layered clothing, water, lunch and post-hike beer-friendly snacks to share. Directions: Take the Stinson Beach/Highway 1 exit from 101. After 1 mile, turn left at stoplight (staying on Highway 1). After 2.5 miles, turn right onto Panoramic Highway and follow to Mountain Home Inn. HEAVY RAIN CANCELS. Contact Jo at blafnout@yahoo.com.

 

Check the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

Join us for this 9 to 10 mile hike where we visit some of the history of Mt. Tam and climb to the top of East Peak. This is a moderate hike; we will climb approximately 1500 feet.  Meet at the Pan Toll Ranger station at 10:30; hike begins at 10:45. Take the Stinson Beach/Highway 1 exit from 101. After 1 mile, turn left at stoplight (staying on Highway 1). After 2.5 miles, turn right onto Panoramic Highway and follow to Pantoll Ranger Station. HEAVY RAIN CANCELS. For info contact Theo at tt4366@mindspring.com.

 

Check the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

Big Basin is the oldest state park in California, and is celebrating its 100th birthday this year.  We will start this moderately strenuous 12+ mile hike at park headquarters, and run right into the heart of Big Basin, starting among the largest of the redwoods, climbing past Berry Falls, Silver Falls and Golden Cascade, and setting down for lunch at or near Sunset Camp, depending on the weather.  Our way back will take us via Sunset Trail through several old-growth redwood groves.  We will conclude with birthday cake and ice cream, together with a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday," at the park commissary.  This hike is a true gem, but expect Summer crowds.

Take either the 101 or 280 freeway south to 85 south. Exit 85 south at Saratoga Road. Turn right and head west on Saratoga Road. This road goes through Saratoga and then begins to climb into the mountains. Crossing Skyline Drive, the road becomes Highway 9. Stay on 9 for approximately 6 miles. You will then see a sign for Highway 236/Big Basin. Turn right onto Highway 236 and continue on this road for 9 miles until you come to Park Headquarters. Takes about 1 and 1/4 hours from San Francisco.  Meet in the parking lot across the street from park headquarters at 10:30 a.m., hike leaves at 10:45 a.m.  Finish time around 4:00 p.m.  RAIN CANCELS.  For info contact David G. at dmg@phillaw.com. 

 

Check the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

Join us on an 11-mile, moderate hike in southern Point Reyes. We will leave from the Palomarin Trailhead at 10:15 and follow trails to the sea. We'll proceed north past Bass and Pelican Lakes to Wildcat Camp. After lunch at the beach, we'll return via Alamere Falls returning to our cars by late afternoon. Take Highway 1 to Stinson. Proceed north toward Point Reyes, turn left about 3 or 4 miles out of Stinson at the first junction toward Bolinas (unmarked). Turn left at the T intersection, then right onto Mesa Road. Proceed to the trailhead passing the Point Reyes Bird Observatory. Allow 50 minutes from San Francisco. For more information contact Mary at (510) 841-4468 or mtnmusic@earthlink.net.

 

Check the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.

Come for a hike through the rolling Marin headlands, along a portion of the Bay Area Ridge Trail.  This ambitious project, proposed to include over 425 miles of trails ringing the Bay, will eventually link over 75 parks and public lands.  This moderate 12-mile hike begins at the Tennessee Valley trailhead and winds through the headlands with views of the Bay, the Golden Gate, and the Pacific Ocean.  Take Highway 101 to the Stinson Beach/Highway 1 exit, follow Highway 1 for about 1/2 mile, and go left on Tennessee Valley Road. following it to the end.  Meet at 9:30; hike begins at 9:45.  For more information contact Joel at joel2cox@earthlink.net.

 

Check the calendar at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ptshikes 24 hours before the hike for any changes or announcements.