60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Eighteen
Uvas Canyon County Park

Swanson Creek, in beautiful Uvas Canyon County Park

What it's like:
Slightly more than 3 miles through a quiet forest, with waterfalls along the way.

Why now:
I was holding this hike back until it rained, but it's starting to feel like it will never rain again, so why wait. This hike is lovely even when the waterfalls aren't rushing. In fact, I've always preferred the forest to the falls here.

If you can't make it this week:
Nice year round. Go in the summer and pitch your tent at the park's campground.

Insider tip:
From most parts of the Bay Area it takes a good long time to reach Uvas, so get an early start. Stretch this hike by adding on the out-and-back spurs to Knibbs Knob or Knobcone Point, but note that those trails are steep.

Uvas is hike number 55 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve has become best know for the human-made labyrinths constructed through the park, but it's also a great place to learn about local geology. I'm taking my son to Sibley this week, for a nice easy 2.6 mile hike. Maybe we'll see you there? 

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Seventeen
Estero, Point Reyes National Seashore

Estero Trail

What it's like:

8.5 miles of sheer lonely bliss, through coastal scrub along the edge of Drakes Estero.

Why now:
With all the seasonal hustle and bustle, many hikers crave a little peace and quiet -- this hike delivers!

If you can't make it this week:
Very lovely during the dry months of summer and autumn. Muddy after heavy rains.

Insider tip:
Instead of hiking out to the water's edge on Sunset Beach Trail, take Estero Trail to Drake's Head Trail and an overlook where you might spot migrating whales.

Estero is hike number 12 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
Until the rains (fingers crossed) begin and our seasonal wildflowers sprout up, those of you in the East Bay don't have much in bloom. Brighten up your day with a hike through a little oasis of manzanitas at Sobrante Ridge Open Regional Preserve, in Richmond north of San Pablo Reservoir.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Sixteen
Portola Redwoods State Park

Redwoods on Slate Creek Trail

What it's like:
This 7.4 mile loop travels through a forest of gorgeous Douglas fir and redwood trees, and includes a visit to a small waterfall, all in a remote San Mateo County canyon.

Why now:
Planning a winter hike here can be tricky. Heavy rainstorms often knock the park's trees about (and down), but with no major storms yet trails and roads are clear. Portola Redwoods is one of the best destinations for mushroom spotting -- in my opinion far better than for wildflowers in spring. Now's the time to admire the fungus among us!

If you can't make it this week:
Go in summer and stay a few days at the park's wonderful campground.

Insider tip:
After the start of the rainy season, park staff remove the bridges crossing Pescadero Creek. If that is the case when you visit, start your hike on Iverson Trail just across from the Madrone parking lot, and skip the trip to Tiptoe Falls.

Portola Redwoods State Park is hike number 46 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
To the lighthouse! This may be the very best week of the year to make the long, scenic drive out to the Point Reyes lighthouse. From late December through mid-April on weekends and holidays heavy visitation requires a shuttle bus ride from Drakes Beach to the lighthouse. Instead, go now, for incredible views and a very good chance to spot migrating whales as well as elephant seals. Remember, the lighthouse is closed Tuesdays-Thursdays.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

Holiday gift ideas

One of my favorite photos from 2013, taken on Batteries to Bluffs Trail

My family lightly embraces December's gift giving theme. This time of year we indulge just a bit, usually getting practical things for each other in addition to some small splurges (I'm partial to fancy salt). So I certainly don't mean to push commercialism, but here are some ideas for loved ones and colleagues.

My book:
I would be honored if you choose to gift 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). My hiking adventures truly began with a book purchase (in my case it was the Bay Area Ridge Trail guide) and I hope you and yours will find many unforgettable hikes via my book.

My website:
It's free and there are over 200 hikes to choose from, so click on over to Bay Area Hiker (or this URL for your mobile device) and start hiking.

Socks:
I've been wearing SmartWool socks for more than 15 years. Trekking heavy crews were my go-to hiking socks until I found (cue heavenly singing) PHD Mountaineering. I did a long double take when I saw their price ($26), so I ordered just one pair. They are without a doubt, the most perfect socks I've ever worn.   Warm, snuggly, and cunningly padded, they are on my Christmas wish list!

Stocking stuffers:
Parks passes. For me, these are extremely motivating, since when I have a parks pass I've already paid for parking and I feel like I'm getting something for free every time I go.  My favorite is the San Mateo County pass, but you can also get passes for Santa Clara County, Sonoma County, California State Parks and National Parks.

Time:
It continues to be the greatest gift. Make time to hike with your family, a group, by yourself, whatever! And if you've got extra time, consider gifting it to others via volunteering.

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to sharing new hiking adventures in 2014.

Book Review: The Trees of San Francisco, 2nd Edition

I'd been in San Francisco for about a year, and my room in a charming lower Haight flat looked out over a pretty tree-lined street. I bought an Audubon guide to North American trees to figure out what they were. But no, *my* trees weren't in that book, because they were not native.

If only, twenty years ago, I had Mike Sullivan's excellent guide to the trees of SF. In this book sixty four common trees are described and illustrated with color photos. In addition, twelve walking tours map out fun tree-spotting excursions in neighborhoods across the city. Sullivan clearly knows his trees and where to glimpse the most vigorous as well as historic specimens. He also supplies plenty of information in a lively and engaging style. Have you heard that a California buckeye on McAllister Street is the only tree in the city contractually protected from removal? What trees can you install in your backyard to lure some of our wild parrots? And if you're pondering a sidewalk tree for your neighborhood, Sullivan provides solid and sensible suggestions. This book is highly recommended.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Wilderness Press.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Fifteen
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park

Rocks at the Mount St. Helena summit

What it's like:
You may get that "top of the world" feeling when you hike to the Bay Area's highest accessible peak -- 4304 foot Mount St. Helena, north of Calistoga. This 11+ mile out and back super-scenic hike is not really hard, just long!

Why now:
If you've been reading my website, book, and/or blog for a while, you've probably noticed I don't like hiking in hot weather. These trails are almost completely exposed, so summer is not the ideal season. On crystal clear early winter days views from the mountain top are sublime -- gaze to the south for downtown San Francisco skyscrapers and snow-capped mountains to the north.

If you can't make it this week:
Winter and early spring are the best times to hike here, and you'll also stand the best chance to book a place to stay, even last minute.

Insider tip:
It would not take much (ok any) persuading for me to combine this Mount St. Helena hike with an overnight stay in one of the Calistoga hot springs resorts. A long satisfying day hike followed by a soak in a hot pool and a little local wine... heaven. Be sure to start this hike early in the day so you don't run out of sunlight.

Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is hike number 15 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
Heron's Head Park. San Francisco's India Basin has changed dramatically in the last few years -- becoming cleaner, safer, and altogether more pleasant. Although Heron's Head Park is adjacent to the recycling center at Pier 96, this little spit of land is a fantastic place for an easy stroll and some birdwatching. After your walk, cross the street to Bay Natives, at the corner of Jennings and Cargo Way. The folks who work in this oasis are super friendly and their plant selection is top notch.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Fourteen
Montara Mountain

Brooks Falls Trail sweeps through coastal scrub in the shadow of Montara Mountain

What it's like:
Start at this Pacifica trailhead and look south -- the mountain peak looming above you is your destination! This balloon hike is just under 7 miles and most of the hiking is pleasantly paced. Montara Mountain Fire Road has some short and steep segments.

Why now:
Manzanitas are beginning to bloom, filling the hillsides with sweet perfumed air. After a few days of heavy rain Brooks Falls cascades down a sheer mountain side and spawning steelhead trout may be spotted in San Pedro Creek (but even if it hasn't rained this is a lovely hike).

If you can't make it this week:
Manzanitas bloom through February most years. Up on the high slopes of the mountain look for solid wildflower displays from late winter to summer, including the rare San Francisco wallflower blooming from late March-early April. I adore Montara Mountain and hike here year round.

Insider tip:
It's easy to shorten this hike by omitting the out and back segment to the mountain top. At the junction with Brooks Falls Trail, turn left and follow the directions from this point.

Montara Mountain is hike number 44 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
Carson Falls. It's not hard to hike all the major waterfalls (at their watery best) in the bay area, but you've got to pace yourself and  make a plan of attack. Carson Falls, on the slopes of Marin's Pine Mountain, starts running early in our rainy season. The hike to the falls and back is under 3 miles but there are some steep stretches on the initial ascent -- most likely you will feel like you've had a decent hike rather than an easy stroll. Manzanitas and ceanothuses should be starting to bloom this month.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.