Today we did a great hike in Portola Redwoods State Park. It was about 13 miles long and was worth every mile. For the most part, it is a pretty level hike with the fragrance of pine wafting through the air on every step. Right at the beginning you climb, and then on the way back there is another steep uphill. But really, both of those are probably less than 2 miles of uphill total, and they are spread out. Starting on Slate Creek Trail, we split off to Bear Creek Trail to reach our mid-point of the hike at the loop at Peter's Creek Grove of redwoods. Then we turned around and came back. We made really good time and finished the whole hike in about 6 hours, and that included a short lunch stop and of course a few pictures along the way.
Highlights of the trip:
1. Banana slugs- When I saw the banana slug magnets in the visitor centers, I chuckled a little. But little did I know how BIG these creatures really were! We saw quite a few along the way. In the picture I am demonstrating how this one is stretched as big as my hand.
2. The funky car that is rotting away and becoming one with the forest. How did it get here? Why is it still here? Does it know it's growing its own plants? The trail at some points is big enough for a road, so I can see it getting out here. Right now it seems to be sliding down the hillside... or at least it slid to get where it is. Needless to say, it's a curious sight.
3. LOVED the trees, of course! Not as big in circumference as Calaveras or Yosemite, but still really breathtaking. You look up and they just seem to go on and on. No picture can do it justice, but I tried.
4. Our lunch stop was so picturesque- a small waterfall and stream with giant redwoods all along the stream bed and tons of lush green foliage. Perfect place to rest!
Try out the hike if you have done a some hiking before and have all day. It is long but beautiful.
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