|
|
The Trail Companion
Fall 2000
Grazing through Huckleberry Heaven
...continued.
We could barely tear
ourselves away from our path of temptation, but the sun was
already low and we had some distance to cover before
returning to the Hikers' Hut. The hike back from Tarwater
Creek was sadly lacking in huckleberries, although we saw
plenty of bushes that suggested there had been riches
earlier in the season. We turned right when we met Tarwater
Trail Loop and followed Tarwater Creek down to Camp
Pomponio Rd. and Pomponio Trail. The road continued to the
San Mateo County Jail; we crossed the bridge over Tarwater
Creek and climbed to skirt the jail to the north. About 3/4
mile up the hill, the lower end of Bear Ridge Trail meets
Pomponio Trail. We took Bear Ridge Trail back to Brook
Trail Loop and home, still bearing stains of our bounty on
our hands and faces.
Note (Oct. 15,
2000): Although the berries were abundent in 1999,
they are somewhat scarcer this year. Even you don't find
many huckleberries, you may wish to see why Tarwater Creek
is so named - near the crossing on Canyon Trail and
downstream, a thick layer of tar is floating in the pools
and has spattered on the rocks. I had read about seeps in
the area, but had never actually seen it before. (See also
the entry on Oil Creek in Names on
the Land. Pt. 1, San Mateo County)
If you're going... The trails
are most easily reached from La Honda, on Hwy 84. From La
Honda, travel west, then turn left on Pescadero Road and
continue 1.5 miles to the Sam McDonald RS. Take the
Heritage Grove Trail or climb the Town Rd. to the ridge and
bear left at the Jack Brook Horse Camp. The two routes can
be used to make a pleasant, longer loop with only a short
doubling along Town Fire Rd.
For a slightly shorter trip,
you can also begin at Heritage Grove. From Hwy 84, travel
about a mile and turn left on Alpine Road; continue another
1.5 mile up Alpine to the Grove parking area. Heritage
Grove Trail climbs a mile to the top of the ridge where it
meets the Town Fire Rd. and Brook Trail Loop, just
beyond.
The Hikers' Hut is managed
by the Sierra Club and can accommodate up to fourteen
people . Call the Club at (650) 327-8111 for
reservations.
Total distance: 5.5 miles (from the
Hikers' Hut) + 2 mi. (from Heritage Grove or Sam McDonald
via Town Rd.); + 4 mi. (from Sam McDonald via Heritage
Grove Trail); or + 5 miles (from Sam McDonald via Heritage
Grove Trail/Town Rd. loop) Time: 5-6 hours
(with lunch and huckleberry stops) Elevation
Gain: 650' (from Hikers' Hut) + 550' (from either
trailhead) Maps: Pescadero Creek
County Park; USGS 7.5 minute quads La Honda
and Mindego Hill. Trail maps are available at the
Sam McDonald Ranger Station.
<==
Back 2 of 2
|
