Salt Point State Park

Salt Point State Park, is on Highway 1, north of Jenner. It is approximately 90 miles from San Francisco, about a 2 1/2 ride.

The park has many areas to visit and investigate, from the beach to the pygmy forest. There are campgrounds in the park which will allow you to enjoy it at your leisure. The day I visited was a warm spring day, late in the afternoon and the winds were picking up.

The photos were taken at Gerstle Cove with its sandstone formations.

The wind, rain, and surf have created some phenomenal honeycomb sculptures on the sandstone, forming pits, ridges, and what look like ribs. Since my visit was a brief one, half an hour, it is worth going back and spend a few days camping and hiking.

For more information on the park and activities go to the California State Park-Salt Point State Park.

Bedwell Bayfront Park

Located in Menlo Park, Ca. , a former landfill site, has a lot to offer to families, hikers and photographers.

In spring, nature brings out it's bounty of colors in both wild flowers, butterflies, and the green grasses.

The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, surrounds the park and it's wildlife for us to enjoy. Many different species of waterfowl can be observed from the hiking trails, as are rabbits, and ground squirrels. If you are bringing your dogs with you, please keep them on a leash at all times.

There are a few stone structures located in the park for sitting and enjoying the sounds of the birds in the trees, marshes, and flying overhead.

Western Tiger Swallowtail

If you spend a few hours there, you will see Great Egrets, Red Tail Hawks, Canadian Geese, many other birds, as well as Monarch, Western Tiger Swallowtail butterflies, and tons of snails.
The park is open from sunrise to sunset and by the gate there is a sign indicating what time the gate will be locked. It is a popular place for hikers who enjoy the trails with a friend. The quiet times are early morning to enjoy the wildlife without many disturbances.

Great White Egret

How to get there:

From US 101 in San Mateo County, exit Marsh Road. Drive east, and where the road
bends sharply right at the junction with Bayfront Expressway, continue straight
into the park. You can park along the road a short distance from the trail head, or continue to one of two parking lots.