| Tepo checks
out the Annadel State Park trail map. |
| This is the
enemy: poison oak. Anytime you hike below 5000' in California, you should
always make a point of determining what poison oak looks like at that
particular time of year, in the location where you are hiking. Failing
to do that can make you very uncomfortable. |
| Our trip took
place in late May, 1988. Annadel State Park has a spectacular showing
of wildflowers each year, in the early to mid spring. We missed the peak
display, but there were still a number of california poppies and other
drought-tolerant types to be seen. |
| Lichen-covered
boulders indicate good air quality. This photo was taken in 1988. I wonder
how the lichen is doing now? |
| Our route today
is a loop trip, about 5 miles, up Steve's S Trail to Lake Ilsanjo. We'll
return via the Warren Richardson Trail. Steve's S Trail starts out climbing
a moderate slope through a beautiful forest of douglas fir trees. It can
get pretty windy up here! Look at the large douglas fir that blew over
during the preceding winter. |
| Before you know
it, we reach a plateau, with expansive grassy meadows bordered by mixed
conifer forests. By now, we've passed through redwood groves. At the right
time of year, this meadow will be teeming with wildflowers. We'll be sharing
this trail with horseback riders, as well as other hikers. Lake Ilsanjo
is less than a mile away. |
| Cross-country
hiking is not encouraged in the fragile meadows. |
| Bennett Mountain
looms to the south, about 1,000' above our current elevation. Stay on
Steve's S Trail if you're heading for the summit. This makes a terrific
loop trip, of more than 20 miles, returning via the ridge trail and Ledson
Marsh. Great training for sierra backpacking! |
| Lake Ilsanjo
is up ahead, in the trees, beyond another meadow. A california vulture
surveys this scene, looking for an easy lunch. |
| Approaching
Lake Ilsanjo, we pass some equestrian facilities. |
| Soon, we're
standing by Lake Ilsanjo. Look at the pretty reeds and other aquatic plants.
The creek draining from Lake Ilsanjo dam empties in southern Santa Rosa. |
| Look around
and you'll see evidence of animal life. |
| On the way back
to the trailhead, we'll have nice views of the hills across Sonoma Valley
and the community of Kenwood. The Oakmont residential development is close
by, on the far side of the near ridge. The view also masks busy State
Route 12, which is far enough away to allow relatively quiet conditions.
This photo was taken in 1988. Since then, some of the ridges in the distance
have been planted with wine grapes. |
| Soon, we have
a view of impressive Hood Mountain, looming almost 2,400' over Kenwood
and northern Sonoma Valley. This view masks a lot of development in between,
including busy State Route 12. Hood Mountain Regional Park is another
fabulous hiking venue! |
| Before returning
to the trailhead, we are treated to some final views of mixed conifer
forest. |
| Trip
Map (BIG, 520K!) |