Palomar Mountain State Park

Palomar Mountain State Park located in extreme northern San Diego County, is probably one of the best kept  So Cal trail-secrets around.  Chances are, you'll plenty of trail all to yourself in all the seasons except summer.  It is amazing what this relatively small State Park can fit into its boundaries (only 1,800 acres).  From grand, breathtaking views on Boucher Hill (5,430') to a lake and meadows as well as mature pine forests, this park really has a little bit of everything.  The Palomar Mountains are probably best known for three things: First, its 'Sierra Nevada like' atmosphere, because of its gentle valleys and forested ridges (A statement I agree with to some degree).  Second, the world famous Palomar Observatory, where many astronomical discoveries have been made (Note: You can't climb Palomar Mountain Proper from the observatory, as it trespasses on Cal-Tech property), and third, the least known fact, the famous fernland.  Yes, ferns surprisingly abound in the valleys of the Palomar Mountains during the summer months.   The other plus side to this park is because it is  size, one (if in good shape) could hike every area of the park from sunrise to sunset.  A definite must for any Southern California hiker.      

I completed a hike covering roughly 2/3 of the park's land, and it was phenomenal.   Here is my recommendation for first-timers (like I was):  

Palomar State Park Loop 

Stats: 

Category: Moderate 

Miles: 7

Elevation Gain (total): 990'

Location: Palomar Mountain State Park

Directions:  http://goo.gl/maps/70fKq  

Description: See above description. 

The Trail:  After you pay the nominal fee at the entrance kiosk (I highly recommend buying a maps for $2 or printing one here, turn immediately left into the Silvercrest Picnic Area parking lot.  Remember to place your permit on your dashboard.  Savor the views west just from the parking lot!  To begin your hike, walk for a very short time north (left) on the State Park road until an intersection.  At the intersection, look for the Boucher Trail that steeply ascends 250' to the summit of Boucher Hill at 5,430'.  Once zenith, take a moment to savor the views around northern San Diego and Riverside and Orange counties, as well as the historic fire-lookout building on summit.  After you are done taking in beautiful scenes,  go onto the Boucher Trail that continues downhill just below the summit.  This trail winds the mountain, towrds the exposed northern end of the Palomar Mountains and the Temecula Valley.  After half a mile, the trail crosses Nate Harrison Grade Road and continues as the Adams Trail for about 3/4 of a mile to Cedar Grove Campground.  When you enter into the campground turn right towards the State Park Road, until you see the Cedar Trail which leads to Doane Pond (the perfect lunch-spot) at 4,600'.  After your reflective time at Doane Pond, take the Lower Doane Valley Trail, which parallels the Doane Valley (the prime fern meadow in summer) and ascends in a few miles to Chimney Flats and the Chimney Trail in the heart of the Palomar backcountry.  Take the beautiful Chimney Trail for about two miles gradually gaining elevation until the Scott's Cabin Spur Trail is reached.  Turn left onto this trail and in no time at all you will find yourself back at the Silvercrest Picnic Area.   What an amazing hike in God's Country through this prime example of Southern California's forests.   (Other hike, loops are optional add, subtract as much as you like if you have a map)  

Blessed Mother Mary, Pray for us! 

Saint Agatha, Pray for Us!  

San Diego County.  California State Parks fee ($8) required for entrance.  Hiked 2-9-2014