Big Tree Loop

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Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a relatively easy 1 mile loop in the heart of Sam McDonald County Park. It travels through a relatively intact old-growth Coast Redwood forest. Some of the trees you'll encounter on this hike are truly massive. Despite the beautiful trees, Sam McDonald park does not get nearly as much traffic as other nearby parks (such as Portola Redwoods State Park), making solitude on this trail easy to come by, especially on weekdays.

The main parking area off of Pescadero Creek Road includes day-use amenities (bathrooms, a ranger station, picnic tables). A parking fee of $6.00 per vehicle is required. Bring cash. The park opens every morning at 8:00 am. Closing time varies by month - see their website for info smcgov.org/parks/sam-mcdona….

This route can be hiked either direction. I recommend hiking it traveling counter-clockwise, as this allows for most of the climbing to be done at the start. Begin at the main parking area of Sam McDonald County Park off of Pescadero Creek Road (parking fee required, bring cash). Restrooms, picnic tables, and a small ranger station with information can be found here.

This route starts on the Towne Fire Road. The trailhead is on the southeast end of the parking lot. At about 100 feet of level walking, reach Pescadero Creek Road. Carefully cross the road here, and pick up the trail on the other side. The trail begins climbing through the forest. Enjoy the views of the giant redwoods as you walk. After about 0.1 mi of gentle climbing, reach signed junction #18. The Town Fire Road continues right (southeast), while a narrow singletrack forks left (east). The route follows the narrow singletrack - this is the start of the Big Tree Trail.

The Big Tree Trail traverses the hillside for about 0.1 miles before reaching some switchbacks. Mid-canopy level views of the redwoods are excellent along this stretch. The trail ascends quickly and reconnects with the Towne Fire Road again at junction #19. Continue on the Towne Fire Road left (south).

The route follows the Towne Fire Road for about 500 feet until it passes a large green cistern on the left and reaches junction #20. Take the singletrack trail downhill (left). Here, the Big Tree Trail departs the Towne Fire Road for good and descends through the redwoods, reaching a bridged creek crossing after about 500 ft. On this section of trail, the creek and bridge are pretty, but the redwoods are less impressive than the earlier section (mostly second growth). The trail continues to descend, steeply in some areas, for another 0.3 miles, until it reaches junction #21 with the Heritage Grove Trail. Turn left (west) onto the Heritage Grove Trail. After 0.1 miles reach Pescadero Creek Road and cross it again. On the other side, walk another 0.1 miles, passing through a relatively muddy section to return to the main parking area. As you pass through the wet section, keep an eye peeled for large banana slugs!

Flora: Trees include Coast Redwoods, Douglas Fir, and California Bay. Other flora include, ferns, huckleberry, iris, monkey flower, and other flowers. Fauna include birds, deer, banana slugs, etc.

Sam McDonald was an important historical figure in the area. He was born in 1884 in Louisiana. His ancestors were slaves. He moved many times, and in 1903 he took a job with Stanford University. He worked for Stanford for over 50 years, and also worked in many other important positions in Palo Alto, such as Deputy Constable. He died in 1957, and left his property in La Honda to Stanford. San Mateo County acquired the land, and dedicated it as a park in 1970. An additional 450 acres were acquired from Kendall Towne in 1976. For a more detailed history, visit the park's website at smcgov.org/parks/sam-mcdona….