Tarwater Creek Loop (extended)
A secluded 6.6 mile trail off the beaten path for those that enjoy dense forests and solitude. I’d recommend this trail for a more experienced trail runner as the trail is quite wooded and rugged.
The Details
Location: Pescadero Creek Park
Trail Start/End: Tarwater Trailhead Parking
Distance: 6.6 mi
Ascent: 1,721 ft
Type: Loop
Parking: Lot
Fee: No (Free)
Water: None
Bathroom: None (see Tips)
The Flight Plan
Reaching the trailhead
The Tarwater Trailhead Parking Area is at the end of Camp Pomponio Road, which is a paved, single-lane road off of Alpine Road. Any car can likely make the drive, but be prepared for some deep potholes.
0.0 - 1.8 mi
From the Tarwater Trailhead Parking Area, enter the forested area at the western side of the parking lot and follow the Shingle Mill Trail through some dense forest with the occasional Redwood grove - be sure to check out the massive tree along the way!
1.8 - 2.2 mi
The Shingle Mill Trail will end at a very lush intersection with the Pomponio Trail. Turn right onto the Pomponio Trail, which will merge into Camp Pomponio Road. Continue running along Camp Pomponio Road.
2.2 mi
After crossing a metal frame bridge, you will see a small trail-marker to your left that says “Restricted Access.” At this trail marker, look to your right to find the entrance to the Pomponio Trail and turn onto it. A short ways in, you will see a large metal gate (pictured), so you know you’re on the right track.
2.2 - 3.0 mi
Follow the Pomponio Trail through a fairly overgrown section until you reach a fork in the trail. Turn right at the fork to go up the Bear Ridge Trail. This is where the trail starts to feel even more rugged and isolated.
3.0 - 3.5 mi
The Bear Ridge trail climbs up to a wooded ridgeline (I was batting away spiderwebs for most of it) before meeting up with the Bavaro Fire Road.
3.5 - 3.7 mi
Follow the Bavaro Fire Road a short distance until the Bear Ridge Trail again bears off to the right.
3.7 - 5.0 mi
When the Bear Ridge Trail intersects with the Canyon Trail (at 3.9 mi), turn right to begin your descent. The Canyon Trail descent is an enjoyable downhill without any real technical terrain, although there is a surprisingly steep drop off the side of the trail at times. At the base of your descent, cross the Tarwater Creek, which, if you time it right, may be bubbling with crude oil!
5.0 - 6.6 mi
Not long after crossing Tarwater Creek, the Canyon Trail intersects with the Tarwater Trail. Bear left onto Tarwater Trail. The Tarwater Trail will bring you out of the forest and into a series of fields. Keep an eye out for the old cabin. Continue along the gentle climb back to the parking lot.
Giant Redwood Tree along Shingle Mill Trail
Gate when the trail reconnects with the Pomponio Trail
Cabin on the Tarwater Trail
Tips
There’s no bathroom at the start of the trail; however, when you turn off of Skyline (CA-35) onto Alpine Road, the Russian Ridge parking area has a bathroom that you can make a quick pit stop at. There’s also the woods.
The trail can be very overgrown, so keep an eye out for Poison Oak and be sure to check for ticks.
With the exception of the last mile, the trail is almost entirely shaded, which makes this trail a good option for avoiding summer heat.
