We met at the parking lot on Camp Pomponio Road. From there we headed downhill on the Tarwater Trail, pausing to examine a banana slug and a huge old-growth redwood with several substantial reiterations. It was spared the saw because one side is hollowed out by fire. Farther down the trail we stopped to check out the remains of the Moore, Fisher, & Troupe lumber mill, built in 1915. There is an old iron boiler used to power the one-piston steam engine that ran the circular saw.
From there we headed downhill to the Bridge Trail and proceeded south to check out the Tarwater Trail Camp and to pause for lunch on the south side of Pescadero Creek. After lunch we retraced our steps to the Tarwater Trail, pausing at the bridge over Tarwater Creek to read the sign warning that alcohol, firearms and illegal substances are not allowed in the County Jail, a short distance beyond. This jail, which housed Ken Kesey for marijuana possession during the 1960's, is now closed.
We charged uphill along Tarwater Creek on the Tarwater Trail, taking a short detour on the Canyon Trail to find out how the creek got its name. Some of the students stuck sticks into the gooey black tar that seeps into the creek. We then returned to Tarwater Trail and ascended the remainder of the route back to our starting point.
TO GET THERE... From Skyline Boulevard, take Alpine Road west, about half a mile past the turnoff to Portola State Park. Turn left at Camp Pomponio Road, which can be identified by 7 mailboxes and a sign that says:
"Men's Correctional Facility
Pescadero Creek County Park
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