Portola Redwoods State Park Hike

***This is NOT a Sierra Club sponsored hike***
Sierra Club does not assume any liability for this event.
Participants will be required to sign a liability waiver at the trailhead to release the leader for any liability for mishaps that may occur during the course of this event.

Black Mountain Hiking Portola Redwoods State Park Hike
Date and Time: Sun, May 24, 2026; 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Pacific)

Level: Moderate (2B/C) 7.5 mi., 1500 ft gain

Event Organizer:

Diana Hall [dianahall39@yahoo.com](mailto:dianahall39@yahoo.com)

Meet at the Madrone Picnic Area, Portola Redwoods State Park, 9000 Portola State Park Rd, La Honda, CA.
( 37.253074, -122.218628). The Madrone Picnic area is to the left just before you get to the visitor center. Pay the park entrance fee at the visitor center ($10, $9 for seniors). Restrooms available in the Picnic Area and next to the Visitor Center. Water available near the visitor center, but no water or restrooms available on the hiking route. No reliable cell service in the area.

Please see the park website for other general information: Portola Redwoods State Park

Portola Redwoods State park is a natural stream basin, with mixed evergreen forest of both old-growth and second-growth redwoods, along with tan oaks, madrone, live oak, Douglas fir, and big-leaf maple among others. Huckleberries dominate the understory. Old-growth trees provide important habitat for the marbled murrelet, an endangered seabird that nests high in the redwoods.

We'll take the Iverson trail to the Coyote Ridge trail and Upper Coyote Ridge trail into Pescadero Creek County Park to the Tarwater trailhead, where we pick up the Tarwater trail, following it past the remains of an old cabin, then back down into the woods to the Pomponio trail and back into Portola Redwoods State Park. For an added loop, we'll turn off on the Iverson trail and take the Nature Trail through old growth redwoods, returning back to the visitor center and our cars. The route is mostly shaded, but there are some open/grassy areas. Cold drinks/light snacks after the hike (optional).
Possible hazards include ticks, yellowjackets, wasps and other insects, fallen trees, overgrown trails, poison oak, and rattlesnakes. Please be aware and look out for them as we are hiking. Route subject to change due to trail conditions, weather, or other considerations.
We practice "leave no trace" and carry out everything we carry in. It is important not to drop food crumbs or scraps because this can attract birds which prey on the marbled murrelet eggs. Please see the park web page PortolaRedwoods State Park

Carpooling is recommended, but optional, and to be organized by participants at their own risk.

Bring: hiking boots/shoes, 1.5 - 2 L water, layered clothing, snacks, lunch, sun protection, hiking poles if you use them

Cancellation Conditions: Steady rain; excessive heat, poor air quality