San Pedro Valley County Park

San Pedro Valley County Park in Pacific is an excellent park to visit on a clear winter day, especially after there's been significant rain. The trail I took boasts a multi-tiered waterfall down Montara Mountain, lush eucalyptus forests, flowering manzanita trees, and views of the Pacific Ocean.

Detail of the map park

Starting from the parking lot near the Visitor's Center, look for the trail head near the restrooms (intersection 6) and follow signs to the stay on the Brooks Creek Trail, which winds its way through a eucalyptus forest. The trail climbs steadily and fairly gently in elevation until you get to a clearing with a bench. From there, you can look out to see the waterfall of the headwaters of Brook Creek. The waterfall does dry up during the dry season, so it's best to go in the winter or in the spring.

When I went, there was some water in the falls; however, it was somewhat hard to see. You could hear it quite clearly!

Keep climbing the Brooks Trail until it intersects with the Montara Mountain Trail, intersection 14. As you get closer to this intersection, the eucalyptus forest gives way to coastal chaparral. The manzanita in this part of the trail is really beautiful, and it was flowering on my hike in January. When you get to the intersection with Montara Mountain, at the crest of a ridge, you will be able to see the Pacific Ocean. There is a lovely park bench there to enjoy a quick rest while you take in the views.

Complete the loop back by taking the Montarra Mountain Trail, which is very well graded. You will be treated to views of the ocean the whole way back as you descend back into the eucalyptus forest.

This hike is only 2.2 miles and it was a feast for the senses: the sound of the water in the falls, the sharp, sweet smell of the eucalyptus, the gentle cool breeze from the ocean in the distance, and beautiful views of both rolling mountains and blue ocean were lovely treats. For this sensory experience and for the excellent Visitor's Center, I would say that this is a great park for families with young children. I loved bringing my daughter in her carrier on this trail.