Two Hour Hike at Henry Coe State Park

Summary: We had a great 4 mile loop hike at Henry Coe State Park. It is 13 miles east of Morgan Hill, and well worth the visit. Lots of trails for hikers and mountain bikers. Great vistas on the drive up, and vistas from the trail. Just check out the pictures.

There is a very reasonable day use fee of $5. I'd pay more. We started at the park headquarters, and the rangers gave us great tips on how to get the most out of four hours we had before a social event in Morgan Hill. The advice we received was to take the Corral Trail to the Springs Trail for 2 miles. Then return on the Forest Trail on the other side of the ridge. This was a spectacular hike, mostly because the day was just so perfect. The day was supposed to be cold and cloudy, and we ended up having alternating heat and shade from clouds with cool breezes. It was actually perfect hiking weather. It would have been quite hot without the clouds. At this time of the year, it was quite dry. There was plenty of poison oak to watch out for, but it was not directly on or next to the trail.

Along the Forest Trail there were a few Manzanita's and perhaps these are even Madrone's because this is quite a large tree. The sun was catching the peeling bark, and I was enjoying all of the colors in the tree's skin. The nice thing about this trail is that it is not especially wide, but it is flat and not rocky. There is not a lot of up and down. You're basically staying at the same elevation most of the time, so you're never winded. There are plenty of wildflowers to enjoy. Actually, the Forest Trail has about 27 items of interest numbered along the trail. You can take a trail guide and read about the numbered items of interest along the way. There are boxes at either end of the trail to pick up or drop off your trail guide. This is a nice way to educate yourself about the plants you see along the way.

Here's a picture of me at the end of the hike. The park is quite large, with many more miles of trails to explore, and it was worth the two hour drive from Vallejo. We will definitely be back, especially since we can also visit our wonderful friends in Morgan Hill after the hike. If you have any questions about Henry Coe State Park, feel free to comment on the blog entry, and I'll get back to you with a reply comment. Also, I have numerous photos of this hike, and I will post them if asked via the blog's comments.

Del Valle Regional Park Day Hike

Summary: This hike is just about an hour from our house in Vallejo, and five minutes from Livermore. There is a lake for boating, fishing, swimming with a beautiful recreation area for BBQ, fields for soccer, kite flying, and throwing the frisbee. Yet you can hike out of this along the full length of the lake, or up into the hills where we did where there are no crowds, and you may even see a bobcat like we did.

The Map:


View Del Valle Regional Park in a larger map

The Pictures:

Click on the slideshow to play, once it's playing click on it again to go to the Picasa album for higher quality pictures and more control.

The Story:

This was a discovery for us. We were headed to do a completely different hike, to Murietta falls, but when we got to the park, the ranger told us the area we wanted was closed. I would arrive earlier in the day to do the Ohlone Trail to Murietta Falls anyway. That hike is a 1700 ft climb and 6 miles each way. So, we left that for another day. We grabbed a map and set out for a wander.

Check out the Del Valle Regional Park website for all the basic info. It was $6 to get in, and the map is included. You can stay close to the car, and have tons of fun, or you can hike or canoe into a lakeside campsite. This is one fun place.

We hiked along the lakefront where picnickers, fisherman, and kids playing swarm. It is very multicultural, and great people watching. We hiked past the last parking lot, and you can hike the entire length of the lake. At the point where the trail turns uphill to get around Badger Cove, we turned around, and decided to make our way back in the hills to get some views. I'm so glad we did that. For one thing, this gives you incredible views, but we also left people behind us for the most part. We encountered only one other couple, and after them, we saw a bobcat.

We saw him at Hidden Canyon, and he was just walking up the trail towards us. We stopped, and he continued to walk torwards us a little bit, then he cut off the trail. There is one picture where he can faintly be made out in the trail, but my camera is better on big scenes than on zooming in on moving wildlife. This is only the second time that I've seen a bobcat on my hikes, and it was a real thrill. He looked like a really muscular big housecat, but he had the bob tail, and the tufted ears with black tips. I've done some research since, and to me he looked more like a Canadian Lynx, which are threatened in the lower 48, but I don't know if that's possible. Here's the blurry pick. Decide for yourself.

We'll definitely be back to Del Valle Regional Park for kayaking, and more hiking.

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park - Godspeed Trail

Summary: This is a beautiful hike to do in the Spring due to the wildflowers in bloom, and the amazing views. The elevation gain is moderate, but challenging. There are lots of nice people on this trail. You may see Turkeys. You will see lizards, ravens, and turkey vultures.

(To read my comments, click on the slideshow, and browse at your leisure.)

What a great day in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. You can do this hike without paying the day use fee. The parking is on the left side of the road before you enter the paid use area.

Be sure to take water with you. The hike crosses streams that were flowing in late March 2009, but they may be dry by Summer. We will have to go back in Summer and start it early in the day, or late in the afternoon. It was hot on a nice Spring day, so it will bake in Summer. We heard turkey's calling, but didn't see them this time. Last time we did this hike we say their footprints in the mud. They are distinctive three toed prints, and surprisingly large. Kevin spotted a tiny little ringneck snake on the trail, and we saw many varieties of lizard. The wildflowers were in bloom, and they were very nice. You have to see them in the Spring!

Also, don't miss Gunsight Rock, where the real views are. Mount Hood doesn't have big views, but it is not far from the junction where you can turn off to see Gunsight Rock.

Jack London State Park

Summary: This is a place to explore, to linger and to savor. Yet you can walk for miles and miles. There is much to see, and vistas at the summit that will thrill you. This is a place with a history, and if you explore the stories of this place, you will know the tragedy of Jack London's life. There are picnic tables, barbeques, and water available.

Pictures from the hike: (click slideshow to see bigger and with captions)



Jack London State Park is just a mile west from Old Glen Ellen. There is a $6 fee per car to enter the park which closes the gates at 5pm. You'll want to have time so get there early enough to cover the ground you plan to hike. The trail map is part of the brochure available at the previously linked site.

Your first time to this park, you'll want to explore slowly the ruins and read the plaques. Jack London is the author of Call of the Wild and White Fang, both favorites of mine. In one direction you'll find Jack London's grave and Wolf House. In the other direction you'll find the ruined winery, the cottage, the silos, the pig palace, and further afield London Lake, and even further Sonoma Mountain.

Saw a Bear Hiking Near Auburn and the North Fork of the American River

Auburn State Recreation Area

Just outside of Auburn, take 49 South in the direction of Cool and Placerville. Park your car as soon as you cross the North Fork of the American River on the right side of the road. You'll see a road sized trail heading off to the south west toward an old bridge. That is No Hands bridge, and it is a great place from which to take pictures. On the East side of the bridge, opposite from Auburn side, is the trail to Cool. Take that trail up into the woods. The whole area is very well signposted, but the signs are very confusing if you're trying to find the Western States Trail. So, my advice is don't. I recommend the route I took. Take the Training Hill Trail until you see the sign for the Quarry Trail. Take it until you see the sign for the Short Cut Trail. This will take you back to Highway 49 and you can walk back down to your car. This loop is about 6 miles, and it is mostly shaded. It is steep at first, but it is well worth it. Just look at the pictures.

Guide Book Critique

This hike is number 19 in my book, 100 Classic Hikes in Northern California. Though I like this book for finding hikes, it is not so good in staying on the recommended trail route. One major complaint that I have about this book are the maps. The maps only show the trails that the author intends for you to take, and other trails are indicated with stubs that end in an arrow. So, should you want to extend your trip, or if you wonder where any of these trails go to, or if you become lost, you will need another map that shows all the trails. On this hike, I seemed to miss my turnoff to stay on the route recommended by the book, but it doesn't matter. I still had a great hike.

Signs Don't Make Sense

When you take your turn onto the Quarry Trail, you'll see the sign says, “Western States Tr. 2.3 M.” The very next sign says, “Western States Tr. 1.6 M.” back the way you came! So, trust me, don't trust the signs. This section of the trail is just to the side of Highway 49 by about 50 yards, and you hear the traffic. So, this is not the hike for those who want to feel completely removed from civilization. In fact, this hike is surrounded on three sides by the highway, though most of the time you don't hear it, or see it. There are also power lines and signs indicated buried cables throughout this hike, so take that into consideration if you are really trying to get away from the touch of humans.

Saw A Bear

As I was making my way down the Short Cut Trail, I looked across the valley and saw a big black bear on the other side of the valley. He was in the middle of a grassy area, and I could see him clearly through the branches on my hillside opposite him. He didn't hear or see me, and was just slowly making his way up the hill. It was 4PM and this was the best bear sighting I've ever had in broad daylight. I stood still and watched him walk up the hill until he disappeared into the manzanita. After that the trail switched back and passed just beneath the grassy place that the bear had been. I kept my eye out for him, but didn't see him again.

Great Swim

At the end of my hike, I was quite warm and dusty. I wasn't sweaty anymore, though I had broken a sweat on the first steep uphill part. I took a swim in the American River north of the bridge that I drove over to get to the trail. There are signs warning of currents, so be careful and know your limits. Make sure it is deep enough before you jump or dive in. I took three swims and lay out on the sunny rocks enjoying the warm breeze. This was definitely one of the better days.

Fine Day in Desolation Wilderness

Just two and a half hours drive from Vallejo, I found myself at Wrights Lake, starting a hike that I will not soon forget. Thanks to my guide book, "100 Classic Hikes in Northern California" I found hike 8 on page 28, to Grouse, Hemlock and Smith Lakes. This amazing hike is just 2.8 miles to the end at Smith Lake, but at the destination, you will find yourself completely removed from everything. It is such a remote feeling and inspiring, beautiful place. My hike was on a Thursday, and I was the only person at Smith Lake, where I lingered for an hour or so, without interruption.



Between Kyburz and Strawberry on Highway 50, Wrights Rd travels North for about 8 miles. Follow the signs to Twin Lakes trail head. Fill out a tag to let the rangers know who is on the trail, and off you go. There is no part of this trail that is not photo worthy. I filled my memory card with pictures, because I couldn't stop taking pictures. I've chosen the best for sharing.

The trail is well signposted, and most of it is sheltered by trees. Where the trail passes over granite, look for cairns. The guide book calls them rock ducks, but I've never heard that term before. The wonderful thing about this hike is that there is always a gorgeous view. If you bring a camera, bring plenty of film/memory.

Grouse Lake, which is as beautiful a lake as I have ever seen, is just 2 miles in. You could stop here and make a day of it exploring around the shores, swimming, and snoozing in the sun. I had lunch here, and took plenty of pictures. There were two other groups of people here at the time, but they didn't go further, so the rest of the time I was on my own.

The guide book says to look over your shoulder at 2.2 miles, and you can see a view back to Wrights Lake. Then Hemlock Lake is at 2.4 miles. This is a small lake, and compared to Grouse Lake, it seemed very small. But the rocky hillsides around it are amazing. Just after passing Hemlock Lake, you're still alongside it in fact, there is the most serene little meadow. I took several photos of it.

Then you scale a rocky mountainside up to Smith Lake. I had it all to myself, and I lingered for over an hour. First I explored around the rock wall that I assume is a dam. The water level wasn't up to it, and I'd like to see it in the Spring. I'll bet there are plenty of wildflowers early in the season, because I saw many here in late Summer. Then I explored up around the tree line on the Northwest side. The book says that there are views to the North, but the views are actually to the West. Smith Lake is surrounded by mountains to the North, East and South. If I had more time, I would love to have hiked to the top of this rim to see the views beyond. But I left that for another time. As I was exploring the South shore, I noticed beautifully colored fish in the water. I took some poor pictures, but noted the orange fins with a black stripe, and white on the leading edge. This identifies them as brook trout. It is very hard to find a good picture of one, most show them after they've been caught by anglers, and they look much happier in the water. These were very small, maybe five inches.

On this hike, I saw chipmunks, blue jays, robins, woodpeckers, brook trout and a marmot. Though this is bear country, I didn't see any bears or signs of them. I kept my eye out for Mountain Lions, too, but didn't see any.

This is a beautiful area, and there is so much reward for hiking such a short distance. There are also many other hikes in the area to explore, and I know I'll be back.

Wildcat Canyon Regional Park

Yesterday I took a hike very close to home in Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. If you live in the Bay Area and haven't been here, you have to get out there to experience the amazing views. They are very easy to get to, but you can take a full day's hike if you want. Here is a Google map.

It can be a little confusing to find the trail head, so a little advice is in order. Drive up McBryde Ave. in the left lane. There will be a sign that says, for Wildcat Canyon stay in the left lane. Go straight, then look for a left turn into the staging area. There's free parking, porta potties, and a notice board with excellent free maps.

I recommend the route I took for excellent landscape and wildlife viewing opportunities, but it was a long hike. I added up the mileage when I arrived at home, and it came to 9.28 miles. There are two other options for shorter loops.

Longest Loop (9.28 miles) - Take Wildcat Creek Trail to Conlon Trail to Nimitz Way to San Pablo Ridge Trail to Belgum Trail, then back down Wildcat Creek Trail to the trail head.

Shortest Loop (5.88 miles) - Take Wildcat Creek Trail to Mezue Trail to San Pablo Ridge Trail to Belgum Trail, then back down Wildcat Creek Trail to the trail head.

Medium Loop (7.04 miles) - Take Wildcat Creek Trail to Havey Canyon Trail to Nimitz Way to San Pablo Ridge Trail to Belgum Trail, then back down Wildcat Creek Trail to the trail head.

I prefer loops, but if you prefer shorter mileage, you can simply walk in to any halfway point, then turn around and retrace your steps back to the beginning. Even a one mile hike in this park is rewarding! I saw bicycles, joggers, even women pushing trail strollers. I started my hike in the early afternoon, and it was a hot day. I recommend starting earlier in the morning, or in the evening if it is going to be a hot day. The park is open 5am to 10pm, but I saw a sign on the entrance to the staging area parking lot that made me think they closed the lot at 6pm, so that's when I planned to get out of there. It would be possible to park on city streets closeby to avoid getting locked up in the lot.

There is drinking water available at the junction of Wildcat Creek Trail and Mezue Trails. I filled up my water bottle here, but make sure to carry enough water and snacks to keep your hike enjoyable.