Portola Redwoods Five Mile Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Wildflowers

It's easy to link up 3-4 trails for a very enjoyable loop. Overall this route is moderate, there is a brief steep section on the Summit Trail but it's manageable. The tread underfoot is great; mostly dirt trail without many rocks or other things to trip you up. Tiptoe Falls is unimpressive but the redwood trees are gorgeous and peaceful. Lots of birds and birdsong, very few people.

State Park use fees apply. Restrooms at the parking lot and the campground.

Started at the Madrona Parking lot and took the Iverson Trail. Turned left at the junction with the Pomponio Trail. Saw some amazing Leopard lilies near Pescardero Creek. Crossed the creek and continued on the Iverson Trail. Detoured off to Tiptoe Falls which is very small but sounded really nice.

Returned to the Iverson Trail hoping to get to the Iverson Cabin. However, the Iverson trail is closed at the Old Haul Road (due to the big fire in 2020) so had to backtrack. No matter. Picked up the Tiptoe Falls trail which led to the Summit Trail. The Summit Trail had a steep climb but it wasn't too bad.

Took a left when we reached the Slate Creek Trail and went back to the campground. Might have gone north at the campground to pick up the Coyote Ridge Trail for a longer loop but the bridge over Peter's Creek is closed. So maybe next time. This time we just went through the campground and back to our car. Great run! Really enjoyed the beautiful lilies by the creek and redwood trees are always inspiring. Highly recommended!

Redwood trees! Leopard lilies by Pescardero Creek. A couple banana slugs. Lots of birds.

This forest has been logged so it's second growth forest.