Breathe in the crisp fall air on a scenic hike through majestic redwoods, Douglas firs, and oak woodlands along the Upper Pete Siemens, Redwood Springs, and Madrone Knoll trails. Join Docent Naturalists Ani Agahian and Nick Yatsko for a moderately-paced journey to Madrone Knoll, the highest point in the preserve. Along the way, you'll pass towering redwoods that were spared by loggers of the prior century, and explore diverse habitats that support salamanders, bats, and a variety of birdlife. A brief snack break will be taken at the halfway point. (Note: This parking area can fill very quickly on weekend mornings. Please carpool and arrive early if possible.)
Meet at the Alma Parking Area. From Highway 17 take the Bear Creek Road exit, opposite Lexington Reservoir. (From southbound Hwy. 17, exit the highway and go under an overpass; road will curve right to a stop sign at Bear Creek Rd., turn left. From northbound Hwy. 17 exit highway and cross the highway via the overpass on to Bear Creek Rd.) Travel 1.0 mile from Hwy. 17 on Bear Creek Rd., as road curves left there will be a pedestrian crosswalk, turn left into the parking lot immediately after the crosswalk.