A Perfect Day at Butano State Park

The weather was perfect for the final fieldtrip of the second session of my spring 2010 Peninsula Parks & Trail class, which was at Butano State Park. Because of recent rain, the park was moist, green and wildflowery.

We ascended Butano's south ridge by way of the Goat Hill and Doe Ridge Trails. On the way we saw several Spotted Coral Root orchids and many Clintonia in bloom. Upon reaching the Olmo Fire Road we headed east a short distance to a high point where we ate lunch and enjoyed sweeping views of the Butano Canyon to the north and the Gazos Creek Canyon to the south. From just the right spot you could see the ocean.

We then headed southwest on the Olmo Fire Trail and headed north (downhill) on the Goat Hill Trail, and on through the Ben Ried Campground, and back to our cars. There were lots of Douglas iris in bloom along the way. The campground was full, even though the cost of camping is now $35.00 per night.

The next session of my Peninsula Parks & Trails class starts on June 24. We will visit the Fall Creek unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Ano Nuevo State Reserve, and Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve.