Mount Washington Area - a special "Secret Steps of LA" Hike

SUNDAY, November 15, 2015: Mount Washington area

If you enjoy Los Angeles History and hiking at an Easy / Moderate pace with a very interesting and knowledgeable hike leader, this is one you have been waiting for!

Distance: 3.2 mile

Steps: 466

Duration: 2- 2.5 hours

Description:

This one is more of a hike than a walk - two hours of steep streets and stairs, all uphill and down with hardly any flat walking involved. However, along the way there are fantastic views and one of the city's most serene and undiscovered oases.

Our hike is #5 from Charles Fleming's book "Secret Stairs of Los Angeles". Experience some unusual LA history up close - catch glimpses of Craftsman era homes and navigate some crazy small streets and staircases.

This hike takes you by the following points of interest:

- Remains of an old funicular railway built in 1884 that served the Mount Washington Hotel.

- LA County Hospital built 1933

- Self-Realization Fellowship/ formerly the Mount Washington Hotel until 1925

- The Paramahansa Yogananda gardens and shrine

- Several old fine Craftsman era and other interesting house styles tucked away up these small streets

About The Secret Staircases:

The staircases are generally either from the 1920s boom years or from the Works Progress Administration in the 1940s. They were built because developers in hilly areas needed to find a way for prospective home buyers to get down from their houses to a school, church, or streetcar line. But the Depression, and then World War II, halted most staircase construction.

The book "Secret Stairs" is recommended reading to enhance your experience.

(See the KCET TV video below for more information on the "Secret Stairs").

http://www.kcet.org/living/travel/socal_wanderer/outdoors/secret-stairs-los-angeles-video.html

Directions:

Take the 5 Freeway South to NE Los Angeles until it intersects with 110 Freeway, heading East. Exit the 110 freeway at exit#27. At bottom of ramp, turn left on to East Avenue 43 and continue until it intersects with N. Figueroa Street. Turn right (East) and go 2 blocks on N. Figueroa St. until it intersects with West Avenue 45. Yum Yum Donuts/ Superior Grocers parking lot is at the corner on your left.

Meet:

In the Superior Grocers Supermarket parking Lot, meet in the corner of the lot, outside the Yum Yum Donuts, at 4503 N Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA90065.

Your leader will be carrying a small US flag and surrounded by lots of enthusiastic hikers.

Bring:

Good walking shoes, hiking boots not required. Water, sunscreen, hat and snacks. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome.

Leader:

Chris Spicher