Ninebark Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Parking is free. The bathroom is located up the trail from the parking lot near the junction with the Pacific Pea Trail. Be cautious of poison oak. It is very common in this park. Know how to identify it and never touch it.

This is a wide gravel fire road that provides access to other trails in the Eastport region of Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. The trail starts at the parking area off of Pinehurst road. Pass through the hiker gate and travel north into the park. In 100 feet meet the first junction. Left (northwest) is the Pacific Pea Trail near the bathroom. Straight (north) is the start of the Gudde Ridge Trail. The Ninebark Trail turns right (east) and crosses Alder Creek.

Once you have crossed the bridge you'll reach another junction. The Alder Creek Nature Trail goes left (north) and follows the creek bank. The Ninebark trail continues straight (northeast) and begins climbing. In another 100 feet reach the junction with the Kitchen Orchard (left, north) and the Leatherwood Creek trails (right, south). Continue straight and in 50 feet pass a large, fenced in storage shed. Continue up the hill, past some black cisterns on the right hand side, and reach the end of the trail, where it meets the top of the Leatherwood Creek Trail.

Typical flora and fauna of the oak chaparral. Trees include oak, madrone, California Bay, toyon, and buckeyes. Near the creek is the Arroyo Willow. Coyote brush, blackberries, and seasonal flowers like lupine and California Poppies are common. Watch out for poison oak! Birds are the most typical fauna, especially juncos, chickadees, finches, towhees, and nuthatches. Occasionally acorn woodpeckers can be seen, as well as hawks, jays, crows, etc. Other fauna include deer, coyotes, ground squirrels, etc.