Hike Coon Creek:  On this brisk hike get some good exercise with other outdoor-loving companions.  While exploring the riparian landscape along Coon Creek, admire a variety of wild flowers, berries, shrubs, and trees.  Meet in Montana de Oro State Park at the end of Pecho Road in the Coon Creek parking lot. Bring water and snack, sturdy walking shoes. (*Moderate) 4.7 mi., 3.0 hr.  Optional return along Rattlesnake Flats Trail.

Outline/Plan -- longer description  (rev. 2-25-04, 4-12-04)   Docents: Anita Zehnder, Mike Baird
Hike Coon Creek:  On this brisk hike get some good exercise with other outdoor-loving companions. While exploring the riparian landscape along Coon Creek, admire a variety of wild flowers, berries, shrubs, and trees. Meet in Montana de Oro State Park at the end of Pecho Road in the Coon Creek parking lot. Bring water and snack, sturdy walking shoes. (*Moderate) 4.7 mi., 3.0 hr..  Long pants are recommended but not essential.

Category: (H) "Hike -- Active to strenuous, no interpretation."  (Moderate)

Theme:  We gain inspiration and fully appreciate nature by pooling insights with like-minded companions on active hikes. 

Hike a well-defined wide fairly level path, crossing over six small shaded bridges along Coon Creek.  In this riparian landscape you will discover many berries, shrubs, trees, and beautiful seasonal wild flowers.  Optionally bring binoculars to better view the many birds.  By briskly hiking with other outdoor-loving companions, you will find that your knowledge and curiosity will mix with that of the others, and the expert training of qualified State Park docents, to provide an enriched unique experience, satisfying to both your body and your soul.  You may well meet others on this hike that you will run across again and again on other docent-led walks, making the outdoor experience even more enjoyable and valued.  When you are hiking and see something interesting in nature, you can appreciate it more if you can share and discuss your experience with others.  Some guests may  take photos and share them with others after these walks using Internet web sites and e-mail.

The docents will be prepared to discuss natural history topics as they come up, or may choose to give one or more short talks depending on the guests’ interests.  However, the hike will generally proceed with only a few brief rest or interpretation stops to make sure we maintain an aerobic and healthy experience.  At the half-way point, at the end of the Coon Creek path, we will rest for a snack for about 15 minutes, before returning.  The hike will be paced to meet the needs and abilities of the participants.  This hike is conducted by two docents... one leading, and one following.  In this way, if any hikers need to proceed at a slower pace, or need to return early, the follow-docent is available to assist those guests.  We invite suggestions for improving our hikes and walks, and we encourage your feedback and evaluation during and after the event.  Our objective is to make sure that you thoroughly enjoy and benefit from the natural beauty of our State Parks, and learn the importance of, and your role in, preserving these precious resources.