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Before signing up for this trip, please take a moment to read our trip policies and view our liability waiver.

Pileated Woodpecker by Teresa Cheng

Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve (Los Gatos)

Located 3 miles south of Los Gatos, Bear Creek Redwoods is a preserve of second-growth redwoods, Douglas firs, madrones and oaks. We’ll explore the short, easy-access, interpretive trail that circumnavigates a small pond and check out the area around the historic buildings of Alma College before taking an optional short uphill hike into the forest. Possible birds include Pacific Wren, Pileated Woodpecker, Belted Kingfisher, Townsend’s Warbler and Band-tailed Pigeon.

Trip Difficulty: 1 mile paved accessible trails with little to no elevation gain, optional 1 mile hike up steep dirt trail.

Leaders: John Harshman (408) 406-4733 and Bilal Al-Shahwany (408) 482-0396

Family Friendly All Ages, Stroller Friendly, Wheelchair Accessible

Meet: Parking lot

Directions: Take Hwy. 17 to Bear Creek Road, opposite Lexington Reservoir. When going south (toward the ocean), go under the overpass, the road curves right onto Bear Creek Road. Turn left at the stop sign. When going north (toward Los Gatos), take the overpass. From the stop sign, drive 1 mile. The parking area is on the left Latitude/Longitude: 37.182768, -122.004123.

Facilities: pit toilet

Parking Type and Fees: paved parking, no fees

Banner Photo: Pileated Woodpecker by Teresa Cheng

Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvas.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.