Pioneer Tree Trail at Samuel P. Taylor State Park
Sunday Oct. 17 9:30 am
Enjoy this cool, forest amble on the Pioneer Tree Trail following a redwood-lined tributary of Lagunitas Creek into a mixed evergreen forest, then back along part of the Cross Marin Trail. The walk is fairly gentle, with a few hundred feet rise and drop over 1.5 miles and then 0.5 miles level. The trail is fully open, but the park reports a few downed trees that we may have to scramble over.
This hike is especially suitable for beginning plant enthusiasts, as we will be identifying trees, shrubs, and foliage. The Pioneer Tree at 1.25 miles is a massive hollowed-out redwood.
Directions: Go west on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard through Fairfax and Lagunitas into Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Take a left into the main camping/picnic area (Camp Taylor) a couple of miles after entering the park. State Park day-use fee is collected.
Park and walk across the bridge past the group picnic area in majestic redwood trees. Meet at the Pioneer Tree Trailhead at the far end of that parking lot.
The parking lots can fill on the weekends, so we will start at 9:30 am.
Bring a small snack, but we will be back in time for a picnic in the redwoods.
Rain cancels; contact Ann if in doubt.