A new hike for us was found in the Cleveland National Forest.
The Cleveland National Forest is the southernmost national forest in California. Named in honor of President Cleveland, the land was designated a national forest in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt. Concerns about watersheds and wildfires were the driving forces behind establishing national forests at that time. Within this forest are mountains covered with chaparral and coastal sage which dominate the landscape of San Mateo Canyon Wilderness (our destination). Many deep drainages hide a lush growth of vegetation, with oak woodlands thick in the lower elevations. Hidden here is Tenaja Falls.It is a pleasant, scenic .7 mile hike to arrive at the top of the Falls.Of the 567,000 Cleveland National Forest acres, more than 75% of the vegetation is chaparral, predominantly coastal sage, chemise, manzanita and ceanothus. A few riparian, or streamside areas exist, but they make up only about one percent of the Forest land. There are large oaks in meadows and along streams and Jeffrey and Coulter Pine forests at higher elevations. Some wet meadows are found between the high elevation pines. I was delighted to find some flowers in bloom and a frog, too.And while the Falls were far from roaring they still made us happy and gave us a location for the perfect picnic spot.And the view of the canyon was pretty breathtaking.Being here off season does have its drawbacks: few things in bloom, a subtle waterfall, quiet birdsong. But it does have huge perks, too. There was only one other hiker and our paths never crossed. It was social distancing exemplified and did I mention the view? The mountains were calling and we came. We are so glad we did.
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2 comments:
We took a hike up there a few weeks ago. Our first Post-leo hike together. I managed to fall in the creek in the exact spot where Steve is walking across. That slanted rock made me lose my confidence!
I love that area so much. How cool you came across a frog! Although my favorite amphibian of all time is the salamander, so be on the look out next time you are in the area.
It really is a beautiful view!
Keep on traveling on.
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