Butano State Park

Butano State Park. Photo by Patricia VanEyll

A First Encounter with Redwood Grandeur

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Our first redwood outing was to Butano State Park, which is a 4,600-acre park located in Pescadero. We chose this park due to its proximity to Hwy. 1 so that after our hike, we could drive up the coast to Pacifica to have dinner, thereby making a full day of our adventure.

In Butano State Park, you’ll feel transported to another world. Photo by Julie Martin

Rivendell or the Redwoods?

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Have you seen any of the Lord of the Rings movies? My kids are totally into them, and I’ll admit it, I am too! Aren’t the forest scenes beautiful? If you haven’t seen them, take my word for it — …

Butano State Park. Photo by Miguel Vieira, Flickr Creative Commons

Butano State Park

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South of San Francisco, halfway between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz, Butano State Park surprises almost every first-time visitor. A short drive from beaches along Highway 1, you’ll find yourself awed by mossy Douglas-firs, bigleaf maples, sword ferns and, through April, blooming calypso orchids. The redwoods are mostly second growth, but careful explorers can find some ancient ones, too.

Oysters are a local treat and a great post-hike lunch. Photo by queenkv, Flickr Creative Commons.

A Gastronomic Tour of the Redwoods

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You know how sometimes after a long hike, that sandwich you brought along in your backpack is about the most delicious thing you’ve ever eaten? Well, as that famous chef guy says, we’re about to kick things up a notch. Next time, try skipping the granola in lieu of one of these four gastronomic experiences that are unique to the redwoods region.