Sam McDonald Park
Category: Active Life Parks Parks [Edit]
13435 Pescadero Creek RoadLoma Mar, CA 94021
(650) 879-0238
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
6 reviews for Sam McDonald Park
6 reviews in English
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Review from n b.
San Francisco, CA
11/27/2008
A little secret nestled up in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Miles of intertwining paths or a main fire road, varied terrain, gorgeous views, a creek, redwoods, picnic spots...what more could you ask for? Well there are 3 horse camps for you equestrians, and you can rent out the Hiker's Hut--run by the Sierra Club--for special events.
I know you meant it for the kids, but thank you Sam McDonald. :)
Some things you should know: There is a $5 parking fee. Get the trail map for $2 or print one out before you go from the website, because the free one you get at the ranger station is pretty much worthless if you plan on doing some of the smaller trails.
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Park history, From the website: "Sam (Emanuel) McDonald, descendant of slaves, was born in Louisiana in 1884. Moving several times, and working at various jobs, he finally settled in Mayfield (South Palo Alto), and in 1903 took employment as a teamster for Stanford University. This was the beginning of a long and pleasant career with Stanford, spanning some 50 years, with Sam eventually becoming Superintendent of Athletic Grounds and Buildings. While working at the "Farm," McDonald took a correspondent course in law and served as Secret Service Agent for the Treasury Department, as Deputy Constable for Pale Alto Township, and as Deputy Sheriff for Santa Clara County.
McDonald began acquiring the La Honda property in 1917, with the purchase of a two-room cabin and some ground along Alpine Creek in the northern portion of the property. Standing 6'4", he became part of the Stanford legend. He probably had a wider acquaintance with students and faculty than any other member of the Stanford family did. Dr. Ray Lyman Wilbur, University President, said on one occasion: "I am glad I do not have to run against Sam for office; I would fear the results.
The Stanford Convalescent Home for Underprivileged Children on campus was one of McDonald's pet projects; he planted large gardens for the children during the war years, and cooked barbecues for them. The home named a "Sam McDonald " in his honor.
When he died in November 1957, he left his La Honda property (400+ acres) to Stanford, which had given him so much in opportunity, friendship and happiness. McDonald specifically requested that his heirs use the land as a park for the benefit of young people. San Mateo County acquired the land in 1958 for $67,000 and dedicated it for public use in 1970. An additional 450 acres were acquired in 1976 from Kendall B. Towne, bringing the total acreage of the park to 867 acres.Listed in: Take a HIKE!
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Review from Chhavi B.
San Jose, CA
2/5/2011
A great hiking experience within an hour from the hustle-bustle.I went there today with my husband and 2yr old. We took the Heritage Grove trail since the distance(4 miles roundtrip) was perfect with our 2yr old on the hike-pack.
It was a a very refreshing hike for early February. A bright day - but hiking under the shades of lush green picturesque red-woods. Every few steps one comes across logs that have unique shapes that you'd want to capture in your camera. Great for a nature-lover.
The drive is great too and my son had a great time watching motorcyclists and bicyclists along the way. Will definitely come here again to check out more trails. -
Review from Ann L.
11/13/2008
I've been to Sam McDonald County Park in La Honda, CA a few times, my most recent was Tues. 11/11/08.
It's a little more than 1hr from Hayward. We took the San Mateo bridge over & since it was a weekday we got to use the Carpool lane & saved the $4 bridge toll. Over the bridge, then took 280 South to Hwy 35. lots of windy parts in the road, finally get to La Honda, turn on Pescadero Rd. When you see the sign for 1/2 mi be prepared to turn Rt Immediately at the Giant sign for Sam McDonald.
Nobody at the Ranger Station so it's Self Service for Parking. It's $5 for the day. Senior Citizens are 65 yrs+ but FREE for them M-F! Not fair.
We did a long day hike about 10 miles. We went to the Modoc Camp, Chinook, & had lunch at the Horse Camp. Onwards to the Overlook where views are ok of the Santa Cruz Mtns. Nice bench to sit at.
Then we went to the Heritage Grove - there's an Upper Loop & Lower Loop. Do both. Very nice & calming.
Things we saw:
Tons of banana slugs
Newts
fungus
bats in a sign post under glass (I saw 3 tiny bats) - how do they get in there? "Don't disturb--If they can get in, they can get OUT!"
flock of quails running over the trail
Redwood Trees
Water Tanks
Heritage Grove plaque
Nice park to visit.Listed in: places to hike
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Review from Stuart G.
Pacifica, CA
6/16/2010
We enjoyed the park's 4 1/2 mile hike along the Heritage Grove Trail. It had a little of everything, from gigantic old growth redwood trees to sweeping open views over the neighboring Santa Cruz mountain ridge-tops.
For the most part this loop trail's twists and turns fall under the shelter of a forest canopy, which makes it a good choice for a peninsula hike on a hot summer day.
Remember to check out the Heritage Grove site where you'll find a collection of old growth redwood trees saved from logging by local concerned citizens.
The park requires a day-use fee and is usually unmanned, which means you'll want to bring along a pen and a small fist-full of bills just in case.
I have full details and a map of the trail over here:
http://www.trailspotti... -
Review from Bradley N.
Missoula, MT
11/28/2009
The whole park is pretty great, we hear, but these four stars are specifically for the awesome and easily-accessible Heritage Grove old-growth redwoods, which are within walking distance from the parking area off of Alpine Road. This is a great way to introduce out-of-town visitors to the Santa Cruz Mts and then head on to Pescadero and the coastal splendor that greets you when entering Highway One from Pescadero Road.
http://www.redwoodhike...
My parents, who had never been to CA until this past summer, loved the Grove. My father, who cannot hike like he once could, seemed particularly impressed by the soaring trunks, trickling streams, and lush ferns that are best viewed up close, not from behind a car window.Listed in: Hikes, Parks, and Beaches to…
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Review from Wes M.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2008 3 photos
AKA the north entrance to Pescadero Creek County Park. Why it has no reviews compared to Memorial's 9 I'll never know--actually, I'm betting it's the lack of picnic facilities (and the fact that the entrance is easy to miss even when you're looking for it). Really, there's not much to do at Sam McDonald but to hit the trail. There are in fact some trails north of Pescadero road, but the obvious route is the 4-mile loop formed by the Heritage Grove trail and the Towne Fire Road. You'll get a leisurely walk along redwood-filled glades, plus a rolling grassy ridgetop with a viewpoint looking downstream towards the coast, plus a chance to check out the Hiker's Hut (truly a lamentably rare amenity in American parks), which you can reserve by calling the park service. And most importantly, you can extend the hike well into the depths of Pescadero Creek.
Listed in: Skyline Blvd & The Pumpkin…
