Hike Sam McDonald County Park
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Date and Time:
Wed, Jun 4, 2025; 10:00 AM
(Pacific)
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06/04/2025 10:00 AM
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Hike Sam McDonald County Park
Meet 10 AM at Sam McDonald County parking lot. Carpool at 9:00 AM behind Pioneer Hotel, Woodside. Hike is 8.6 miles with 1628' elevation. Leader: Kurt Leal. (831) 704-6855.
Sam McDonald Park, 13435 Pescadero Creek Rd, Loma Mar, CA 94021, USA
Webinar URL:
37.2967035257,-122.2655030659
Kurt Leal
kurt.leal@lomaprieta.sierraclub.org
MM/DD/yyyy
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Organized By: Loma Prieta San Mateo Hiking
Location: Sam McDonald Park, 13435 Pescadero Creek Rd, Loma Mar, CA 94021, USA
Map | Directions
Event Organizers:
Kurt Leal
kurt.leal@lomaprieta.sierraclub.org
(831) 704-6855
Sam McDonald’s Cabin
➤ Hike Description: Embark on an 8.27-mile figure-eight route with an ascent of 1,628 feet through the former property of Emanuel B. "Sam" McDonald – a philanthropist and conservationist. This area has transformed into the San Mateo County Park that bears his name, forming the northern section of the Pescadero Creek County Park Complex. In 1917, Sam purchased a 400-acre property in La Honda and named it the La Honda-Alpine-Ytaioa Reserve. On this hike, we will visit the lodge site where he built a lodge called Chee-Chee-Wa-Wa (Little Squirrel) pictured above.
As we traverse this landscape, it's crucial to tread lightly and leave no trace, emulating the practices of the native peoples across generations. Please remain on marked trails to show respect for the local habitat and wildlife. To maintain the pristine nature of the forest, ensure that all trash and food waste are packed out. By minimizing our impact, we act as stewards of this preserved land when appreciating its beauty.
Our lunch break will take place at the Jack Brook Horse Camp, named after Jack Brook – a local rancher who once owned this land. Brook, known for his kindness and love for horses, played a pivotal role in the camp's development. He generously donated the land to the county to establish a horse camp and actively contributed to the construction of the initial facilities.
Jack Brook Horse Camp While the redwood forests didn't host permanent settlements for native peoples, the tribes of Ohlone, Coast Miwok, and Pescadero people inhabited the La Honda and its surrounding region, where Sam McDonald County Park is now located. Their thriving communities existed for thousands of years before Spanish colonization. They were skilled hunters, gatherers, basket weavers and fishermen, and they also cultivated crops such as corn, beans, and squash.Following the hike, there will be the customary optional tailgate potluck gathering at the picnic area adjoining the parking lot.➤ Route Description:From Sam McDonald Parking Area:• Youth Camp Trail to Uncle Man Road (0.4 miles)• Uncle Man Road to Old Stage Trail (0.5 miles)• Old Stage Trail to Ridge Fire Road (2.2 miles)• Ridge Fire Road to Jack Brook Horse Camp (Lunch Break 1.3 miles)• Jack Brook Horse Camp to Towne Fire Road (0.1 miles)• Towne Fire Road to East Brook Trail (0.2 miles)• East Brook Trail to Connector Trail (1.4 miles)• Connector Trail to Towne Fire Road (0.0 miles)• Towne Fire Road to Big Tree Trail (1.7 miles)• Big Tree Trail to Heritage Grove Trail (0.3 miles)• Heritage Grove Trail back to the Sam McDonald parking area (0.2 miles)If you have an account, you can view and download the route map on:GAIA or AllTrailsFree park map at: San Mateo County Parks➤ Directions/Parking: We meet at the Sam McDonald County Park Parking Area, 13435 Pescadero Creek Rd, Loma Mar, CA 94021. Parking is $6 cash exact change via the Iron Ranger, free if 62-years of age or older.GPS: 37.296494, -122.265571See location on Google Maps or Apple Maps➤ Restrooms: Restrooms and water at the trailhead and at the lunch location.➤ Exposure: 80% covered under second growth redwood and mixed oak forest 20% exposed through meadowland. See the weather forecast on Weather Underground.➤ Cell Phone Coverage: Spotty coverage near the trailhead and Sierra Club Hiker’s Hut, none along the rest of the route. There is a pay phone at the parking lot.➤Carpools: Meet at 09:00 AM at the Pioneer Hotel Woodside. The hike leader will not be there, participants should arrange carpools themselves. Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.➤Attendance: This is a Sierra Club hike. This backcountry outing requires the completed paper Local Outings Medical Form. This form can be download here. ➤ Park websites: Sam McDonald County Park➤ Bring: Medical form completed. Lunch, water, a sit-upon for lunch, and poles if you use them, sun protection, dish for potluck if you’re staying.➤ Safety: We will hold a safety meeting prior to the hike. You hike at your own risk and are responsible for your own actions. The nearest EMS from La Honda Fire Brigade 2.4 miles north on Alpine and La Honda Roads. Sam McDonald/Pescadero Creek Park Ranger (650) 879-0238, information (650) 363-4020. In case of emergency, call 911.
➤ Sierra Club Guidelines: We encourage responsible hiking practices, adhering to Leave No Trace principles to minimize our impact on the environment. Neither vaccinations nor masks are required. But if you are experiencing any COVID symptoms, are sick, or have recently tested positive for COVID do not hike with us on this day. Any participant is responsible for reporting these conditions to the leader if symptoms develop after they hike. We will then notify the other participants.These hikes are sponsored by the San Mateo Hiking Section, an outings section of the Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter. We welcome non-members to participate and invite you to join the Sierra Club. Click here to join.For a list of all hikes offered by Sierra Club's Loma Prieta Chapter, please visit the online calendar. We look forward to seeing you on this or another one of our beautiful hikes!
