3 hours
13435 Pescadero Creek Rd
Starting at USD 0
Sun, 27 Jul, 2025 at 09:30 am to 12:30 pm (GMT-07:00)
13435 Pescadero Creek Rd
13435 Pescadero Creek Road, Loma Mar, United States
Sam McDonald was born in Louisiana, son of a minister and grandson of enslaved people. From these humble beginnings, he went on to become superintendent of athletic grounds and buildings at Stanford University (Read more about his story and legacy at our blog "A Giant Among the Redwoods.") During his life and career, Sam earned the affection and respect of generations of students and faculty. He even received a personal visit from President Herbert Hoover!
Sam acquired a grove of coast redwood trees in the Santa Cruz mountains for use as a sanctuary and retreat. He built a cabin there and shared it with students and a children's charity. Sam McDonald left an enduring legacy by bequeathing his land for the enjoyment of future generations.
Our hike takes us to Sam's cabin (Chee-Chee-Wa-Wa) and under the redwood trees he called "lords of the forest."
Learn how Greenbelt Alliance is deepening the connection between humans and the natural world so that communities can leverage nature’s many benefits to steward the green spaces and lands that are critical to thrive: Nature for People.
TOTAL DISTANCE
This is a moderate 4-mile round-trip hike with a few hundred feet in elevation change.
LEADER
Ken Lavin
WEATHER POLICY
Rain cancels.
COST
$6 per vehicle park entrance fee. Exact cash required.
WHERE TO MEET
We'll assemble at the parking area by the ranger station in Sam McDonald County Park. There is a restroom near our meeting place.
NOTES
Bring water and lunch. Dress in layers and wear good hiking shoes. Bring poles if you normally use them. If you have any questions about this outing, email Ken Lavin at a2xhdmluIHwgZ3JlZW5iZWx0ICEgb3Jn.
Photo: btwashburn via Flickr
ABOUT THE OUTING LEADER
Ken Lavin is the Outing Coordinator for Greenbelt Alliance and has been leading our free educational outings for over a decade. Ken worked as a national park ranger in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and as an instructor for Diablo Nature Adventures, teaching environmental science to school groups in Mount Diablo State Park.
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Loma Mar, Meetups in Loma Mar.
Tickets for Exploring Sam McDonald County Park can be booked here.
| Ticket type | Ticket price |
|---|---|
| Free RSVP | Free |
| RSVP + $10 Donation | 13 USD |
| RSVP + $20 Donation | 29 USD |
| RSVP + $50 Donation | 55 USD |
| RSVP + $100 | 109 USD |
We have gathered all the information for you in one convenient spot, but please keep in mind that these are subject to change. We do our best to keep everything updated, but something might be out of sync. For the latest updates, always check the official event details by clicking the "Find Tickets" button.
