Portola/Pascadero Hike

If you're looking for a peaceful escape with a bit of adventure, this hike in Portola Redwoods State Park might be your new favorite. The trail meanders through quiet second-growth forest for the first six miles—plenty of gentle ups and downs to lull you into a false sense of “hey, this isn’t so bad.” Then you reach Peters Creek Loop, and everything changes. Suddenly you’re surrounded by ancient redwoods so tall and serene, it feels like you’ve wandered into nature’s cathedral—if that cathedral also made you feel very small and slightly unworthy. These trees were spared by loggers thanks to the area’s remoteness, and we thank them for their poor access planning. The walk back is long, yes, but there’s something meditative about it—until your legs start filing formal complaints. Still, totally worth it. It’s a beautiful hike
Level: Moderate/Strenuous
Total Distance: 11.5 miles loop
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Elevation Change: 2500 feet
What to Bring: 2+ l water, food/snacks (for lunch break)
Facilities: bathrooms at trailhead/parking lot
Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/old-tree-slate-creek-bear-creek-and-peters-creek-trails?sh=rxgrov&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality
Meeting Place: Front of Portola State Park Headquarters/Visitor center
Parking Fee: $10
Car Pool: For safeties and environmental reasons, Car pooling is recommended (https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/0rfvab)
Warning:
If you have prior medical condition or a family history of illnesses pertaining to heart, lungs, brain, etc. that can be aggravated by heat and physical exertion, this is not the hike for you.
Release of Liability:
The organizer (me) of this trip is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this trip. Each person who signs up for a trip/hike/or outing is responsible for their own safety.