WEATHER LOOKS RAIN FREE ON FEBRUARY TWENTYThis is a slightly more challenging version of my January 16, 2010, hike. We will start at the Bear Valley Visitor Center, and instead of going straight onto the Bear Valley trail, we will veer right and climb approximately 1,200 feet to Mt. Wittenberg from which peak we will descent down to Arch Rock and back to the trailhead via Bear Valley trail. A little over 10 miles overall.

I plan to meet at 8:00 AM to meet and greet and arrange car pools and leave by 8:15 AM.

I hike at at easy pace. I am also a shutter bug addict and have a tendency to stop often to snap a shot or two. Bring with you: The trail map (see links below), these directions, Hat, Sturdy Waterproof Boots (we may be crossing streams) Jacket and layered clothing for changeable weather (it is February after all), Water (2 liters recommended), Sun Protection, Lunch, Map & Compass, Whistle, Flashlight, First Aid Kit (w/Moleskin), Pocket Knife, money for drivers. (For carpoolers, I suggest $3.00 per each hour driving time (Driving time is about 4 hours round trip).)

On our way to the park, we will stop at the Cheese factory.

Rain will cancel this hike. Please check the meet up web site the evening of Friday February 19, 2010, for last minute updates.

Driving Directions from Sacramento as posted on the Park Web Site:

•Follow Interstate 80 about 50 miles (80 km) west to Vallejo.
•From Vallejo, take California Highway 37 about 21 miles (33 km) west to the intersection of U.S. Highway 101 in Novato.
•Go north on U.S. Highway 101 about 2.5 miles (4 km)and take the Atherton Avenue-San Marin Drive exit.
•Turn left onto San Marin Drive and head west for about 2.5 miles (4 km) to the junction with Novato Blvd.
•Turn right onto Novato Blvd. and proceed west for about 6 miles (10 km) to the Point Reyes-Petaluma Road.
•Turn left on the Point Reyes-Petaluma Road AND stop at the Cheese Factory just a fraction of a mile past the junction. It will be on your right. After the Cheese factory, follow the Point Reyes-Petaluma Road southwest for about 7 miles (11 km) to the junction with Platform Bridge Road
•Turn right on the painted bridge (yes, it's really painted) to stay on the Point Reyes-Petaluma Road and continue west for about 3 miles (5 km) to the junction with California Highway 1 in the town of Point Reyes Station.
•Turn left onto Highway 1, drive south through Point Reyes Station and continue south on Highway 1 approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) - if you get to a flashing red light, you've gone 100 yards (100 m) too far.
•Turn right onto Bear Valley Road and head west about 1/2 mile (0.8 km). Look for a big red barn on the left and a sign for Seashore information on the right.
•Turn left past the red barn and proceed up the driveway to the Bear Valley Visitor Center, the main park contact station.

Helpful links:

Park/Trail Map

Area Map

Park Home Page

The Cheese Factory

I look forward to seeing yo all there! Paul P.