Trail Center Workday - Pescadero Creek County Park

Pescadero Creek County Park

This vast parkland of 8,020 acres is comprised of San McDonald, Memorial, and Heritage Grove parks. The park contains a significant amount of forest and watershed related resources. Pescadero Creek, which flows all year round, is a major Steelhead spawning stream. The stream is an important steelhead trout habitat and may be restored for coho salmon.

The park has remained in its initial state with the development and maintenance of multi-use trails and two primitive trail camps. The Boy Scout facility Camp Pomponio, was closed in the late 1960's - early 1970's when the area was logged by Santa Cruz Lumber Company. The boy Scouts had developed many of the trails, some existing logging roads that are still in use today. Camp Pomponio was part of the County's acquisition and became the Men's Correctional Facility operated by the Sheriff's Office.

Hiking Trails: With just a one-hour hike you can explore either Mt. Ellen, Huckleberry, Homestead, Creek, Big Tree, or Heritage Grove trails. On a half-day venture, you can hike Ridge Loop, Tarwater Loop, or Towne Trail. Butano Ridge Loop or the Pomponio Trail Provide all-day experiences for the avid hiker or jogger.

A Park map is here.

Location: Pescadero Creek County Park, San Mateo, California - Brook Trail

Directions: Parking and check-in for this project will be at the parking lot in Sam McDonald County Park. Note: Plans to meet at the Horse Camp have been modified and all volunteers should meet at the main park.

From the junction of Highway 84 and Skyline Blvd. (Highway 35) take Highway 84 west to the junction of Pescadero Road and La Honda Road (Hwy 84)(just past the town of La Honda). Take Pescadero Road southeast. In 1.1 miles, veer right at the junction of Pescadero Road and Alpine Road. In 0.6 mile you will see the entrance of Sam McDonald County Park. Carpooling is encouraged (contact volunteer@trailcenter.org to help coordinate). Allow at least 45 minutes to the parking area from Interstate 280.

From the lot there will be a shuttles to the tools and work area.

Agency: San Mateo County Parks - Mark Schneider, Supervising Ranger

Supervisor: Dave Croker

Project Lead: Dave Croker

Additional Information: Participants should bring water (2 quarts/liters suggested), sunscreen, sturdy shoes (hiking boots recommended), lunch and normal precautions against poison oak exposure (work gloves, long sleeved shirts and long pants). The Trail Center provides tools, training, gloves, and refreshments after the workday.

Saturday, May 09, 2015 - Brook Trail Reroute - Mother's Day Event: Activities: Ranger Mark Schneider needs help with the short reroute around a huge fallen tree. The Brook Trail is a fairly major artery for equestrians in the area and right now they can't get around this obstacle. This will be a 2 day project (lots of digging for a 4+' wide equestrian trail and 3 retaining walls), so we'll make our May trip out there too just to make sure we finish. The rest of the Brook Trail needs major maintenance too.
Bring your Mom!
Volunteer