RSS
Home
Ten things to see and do in the Bay Area's state parks this November
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
1. Mushrooms of the Santa Cruz Mountains at the Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center. Expert mushroom hunter J.R. Blair will present hunting, safety, and cooking tips relating to our local mushroom varieties. The presentation lasts from 1:00 until 3:00 pm on Saturday, November 7. The Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center is part of Big Basin State Park and is located 16 miles north of Santa Cruz off Highway 1. Tel: (831) 427-2288.
2. Coffee Talk at Big Basin State Park. Join docent Tom Rohlf in the Sempervirens room next to park headquarters for free coffee and hot chocolate from as he answers question and provide trail suggestion from 9:00 am until noon on Saturday, November 7. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236. Tel: (831) 338-8883.
3. The Mount Diablo Trail Adventure at Mount Diablo State Park. The Sunday, November 8 event hosts a Half-Marathon, a 10K Run, and a Family Hike up and through the steep trails of the East Bay’s tallest mountain. Registration begins at 7:30 am, with the races themselves starting at 9:00. Activities start at Castle Rock Park in Walnut Creek. Registration is online at a cost of $40 for a family of 4, including lunch and kid’s T-shirts. Castle Rock Park is located at 1700 Castle Rock Road in Walnut Creek.
4. Tours the Monarch Groves at Natural Bridges State Beach. Thousands of Monarch Butterflies descend upon Natural Bridges each fall as one of their Northern California over-wintering sites. Docent tours operate every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Meet at the Natural Bridges Visitor Center at the end of West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. Tel: (831) 423-4609.
5. The return of the Elephant Seals at Ano Nuevo State Park. Actually they are in and out all year, but mid-to-late November sees the return of the breeding-aged males and their battles to stake out the best beach territory. The park will be closed for birthing season in early December, and only guided tours will be available between December 15th and March 31st. Ano Nuevo State Park is located 20 miles north of Pescadero on Highway 1. Tel: (650) 879-2025.
6. Late Fall Hike at Annadel State Park. Dave & Bill Hikes will lead a 12.5 mile, 6 hour hike across numerous Annadel trails for an expected elevation gain of 1,400 feet. Bring your own food and water, sturdy hiking boots and dress for varying weather conditions. The hike is scheduled for Saturday, November 14th and leaves at 10:00 am sharp. Please meet 15 minutes before the expected start at the main parking lot. The park is located east of Santa Rosa and south of Highway 12 on Channel Drive via Montgomery Drive. 6201 Channel Drive Santa Rosa, California. Tel: (707) 539-3911.
7. Brushy Peaks Hike at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Discovery Hikes will lead a 6.5 mile climb through the park for some great views across Napa and Lake Counties. Expect moderate elevation gain, but with very steep climbing in some places. Bring your own food and water, sturdy hiking boots and dress for varying weather conditions. The hike is scheduled for Saturday, November 14th and leaves at 9:30 sharp. From Highway 12, turn on Adobe Canyon and follow the road into the park to the very end at the horse stables. Tel: (707) 833-5712.
8. Victorian Christmas at Camp Reynolds in Angel Island State Park. Christmas will come early on Angel Island. Join staff and volunteers in celebrating the Christmas holiday as it once was celebrated in Victorian times. The event is free and will be held on Saturday and Sunday, November 14th and 15th. Access to Angel Island is by private boat or public ferry from San Francisco, Tiburon, and seasonal service from Oakland/Alameda. For more information call the Ranger’s Office at (415) 435-5390.
9. Victorian Crafts Faire at the Vallejo Home, Sonoma State Park. The Victorian workshop offers children a creative and educational hands-on experience. The finished products include handmade tree ornaments, miniature wreaths, trinket tubes, sachets, pot holders and fans as part of the 17 crafts offered. Admission is free and includes light refreshments. Crafts cost 25 cents to $1 per craft station. Children should be accompanied by an adult. The Vallejo Home is located at West Spain Street and Third Street West in Sonoma State Historic Park, Sonoma, CA. For more information please call the park at (707) 938-9559.
10. Turkeys at Mount Tamalpais State Park. If Turkeys are your thing this fall season, head up to the Mount Tamalpais Pantoll Ranger Station and Campground off Highway 1 in Marin County in the early morning or late evening to see the Thanksgiving critters in action.
For more info: On California State Parks in and around the Bay Area.
Related Articles:
Comments
