Shiloh Ranch Park, Windsor Ca

Trail: 3.88 mi. Dirt and steep. Dogs: No except in the picnic area.

Wheelchair: most trails in the park can be done with an adventurous chair and you can handle steep. Not the Creekside Trail section, too narrow.

Toilets, picnic tables available at the parking lot

Sonoma County Parks pass, day use fee, or park just outside on Faught Rd.

Website: https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/visit/find-a-park/shiloh-ranch-regional-park

Google Map and G PX File: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=13qLF1qgfwey8InVb4AxJajBmmh6q4Nc&usp=sharing

As I am increasing my hiking abilities, Shilo was a milestone for me. It is steep. So every time I walk it is going to be a challenge. I am also using it to get used to the various electronica in my life. I am still not happy with the GroPro

Typical of the Coastal Range. Oak grassland and woodland. Lovely riparian stuff down in the Creekside and Big Leaf Trails.

This area was hit hard by the 2017 Tubbs fire. You can see how the area regenerates. It is inhabited by lots of birds and deer that are completely not worried about humans.

Occasionally you will find a tree that finally succumbed to the internal damage. As the tree grows new foliage, the damaged core cannot support the weight. This tree was across the trail. Some bush wacking up the hill. And I got to be the first to call it in. The crew with chain saws were out before I could finish my hike.

At the top of Creekside Trail is man made pond. By October this pond is low, green and mucky. Even so there is a grouchy egret hoping for a frog dinner.

Going to the left of the pond the trees thin to oak grassland.

Wear a hat, and do not hike here in August.

At the top of the hill I headed toward Ridge Trail.

The first time out, I was fortunate enough to meet up on the trail with a lovely lady. I headed her warning that North Ridge trail gets quite steep. So I opted for Ridge Trail, followed by Big Leaf Trail. I was rewarded with a magnificent view.

Big Leaf Trail dips down into a canyon with a complete canopy. The trees from one side of the trail touch the other. This is not rare, but still it is unusual in California.

Even if you are not able to do the whole loop, I highly suggest the walk up from the parking area up into this canyon.

One more thing, the green scarf. Our local fBorg hiking group decided to use a green scarf to identify ourselves. Sort of gang colors for hikers. I used it for the first time on this walk, and a voice from behind me said "Nice Scarf."

There will be more green scarf adventures.

Comments

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