Читать книгу 101 Hikes in Northern California. Exploring Mountains, Valleys, and Seashore онлайн

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Back on the main trail, you climb steeply above the canyon on a few switchbacks as tanoak begins to appear trailside. After crossing the south fork of the creek, the trail traverses the slopes and passes through a dramatic vegetation change, where redwoods suddenly disappear into thick chaparral. Large redwoods reappear as you rejoin the creek and reach a junction by a small bridge (1.6/880'). This is the start of the loop. Go right, passing several substantial trees as the trail winds along the creek. You next turn west and ascend through coast live oak and California bay to the high point of the hike where spectacular views await (2.7/1,700').

Hwy. 1 winds along the edge of the continent below and the aquamarine clarity of the ocean often allows you to distinguish a sandy bottom. Looking south, several drainages are identifiable beyond that of McWay Creek, overshadowed by peaks of the high ridge rising abruptly and paralleling the coast a short distance inland. From this viewpoint, the ridgetop is still more than 2,000 feet above you, and the tallest summit visible south is nearly 4,000 feet high and less than 3 miles from the ocean—imposing topography indeed. This is also a good spot to look for red-tailed hawks and other raptors scanning the bare hillsides for lunch. From here, the trail drops behind the ridge, losing views as it makes a half-mile traverse before cutting back to quickly descend to McKay Creek and the junction at your loop’s end. Head right to retrace your path to the trailhead.