A Hike in Portola Redwoods State Park

Our San Francisco Peninsula is a delightful place in which to live, full of places to explore and enjoy. One of the lesser known gems is Portola Redwoods State Park nestled down in the bottom of the canyon. The park is located about 45-60 minutes from San Carlos or Palo Alto, and makes a wonderful destination for picnics and short hikes, as well as longer ones.

As stated on the park's web site, "Portola Redwoods has a rugged, natural basin forested with Coast Redwoods, Douglas Firs and Live Oaks.  There are eighteen miles of trails, a 53 site campground, four group campsites and two beautiful creeks, the Pescadero and
Peter''s Creek, that run throughout the park."

On Sunday my husband and I decided to visit and hike to one of the most pristine old-growth redwood forests around, and one of our favorites, the Peter's Creek Grove. This hike is definitely recommended only for dedicated hikers since it is about 10 miles in length and includes some very steep climbs and descents.

With above-average rainfall this year, the creeks are running full and wildflowers abound. There are surprises around every corner, and no snapshot can begin to capture the majesty of the redwoods. As I descended into the grove, I truly felt like I had entered a cathedral.