Our Mission Palomar The mission of California State Parks is njoy a commanding to provide for the health, inspiration and E education of the people of California by helping view of scenic vistas Mountain to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities from Palomar Mountain State Park for high-quality outdoor recreation. State Park’s Boucher Hill, or hike along forest- covered ridges, valleys,

California State Parks supports equal access. and grassy meadows. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (760) 742-3462. If you need this publication in an alternate format, contact [email protected].

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369. (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service

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Palomar Mountain State Park 19952 State Park Road Palomar, CA 92060 (760) 742-3462 www.parks.ca.gov/palomarmountain

© 2015 California State Parks P alomar Mountain State Park features honor and restore their ancient languages 1,862 acres of pristine forest, peaceful and culture. meadows, and pleasing panoramas of The United States gained control of northern San Diego County. Visitors can California in 1848. Palomar Mountain camp, hike, fish, picnic, and relax in nature. remained a wild place for many years. The In summer, temperatures average a balmy 80 mountain was sparsely populated with degrees. Winters bring snow to the park, with native people and some homesteaders. freezing temperatures that can dip below 30 Settlers, such as George Edwin Doane — for degrees. Spring and autumn are moderate. Boucher Hill Fire Lookout Tower whom Doane Valley is named — raised livestock, grew hay, and planted apple PARK HISTORY Colonization orchards. Some of these apple trees still Native People Spanish colonists established Mission San bear fruit today. Over millennia, what is now called Palomar Luis Rey in 1798, in what is now Oceanside. Palomar Mountain State Park was created Mountain was used by many local native The missionaries called the blue mountain in 1933 during the Great Depression. Civilian groups — likely the Cupeño, Ipai, and range “Sierra de Palomar.” Conservation Corps (CCC) members — young Serrano people. However, the mountain Native Californians from the surrounding men employed by the federal government stands in traditional Luiseño territory. area, renamed Luiseño after Mission San to help lower unemployment — built many They maintained seasonal villages on the Luis Rey, were brought to the mission to of the roads, trails and picnic facilities still mountain, where they hunted game and work. An unfamiliar diet and epidemic used in the park today. gathered acorns and other seed crops. The diseases carried by Spanish émigrés killed Pechanga Luiseño called the mountain great numbers of native people. Pa’áaw (pah-OW), and the area of Pauma Mexico won independence Luiseño summer encampments (now from Spain in 1821. Through NATHANIEL HARRISON within the park’s boundaries) was known as the 1833 Secularization Act, In the 1880s, “Nate” Harrison, Wavimai. The Luiseño people named the former mission lands were to be a former slave who came village site at Cedar Grove Pee-nav-angña distributed among the surviving to California during the and what is now Doane Valley was called native people who had labored Gold Rush, made remote O-us-koon, meaning “wild lilac.” at the missions. Instead, large Palomar Mountain his Luiseño home. Harrison grew hay grinding tracts (ranchos) were granted to and raised hogs near the rock Mexican citizens. Native people eastern edge of today’s park. either attempted to return to He died in 1920, reportedly their homes or worked on the living to the age of 101. The ranchos. Many were forcibly park’s Nate Harrison Grade moved to the Temecula Valley. Road is named for him. Today’s Luiseño people work to overlooks the Pauma Valley. The first fire ACCESSIBLE FEATURES lookout tower here was erected in 1935, and Three sites at the Doane Valley Campground this restored tower was built in 1948. and one at the Cedar Grove Group Camp #1 The Boucher Hill Fire Lookout Tower is are designated accessible. Restrooms, the available for guided tours when volunteers Silvercrest day-use area, and the Boucher are available, unless fire-spotting is Hill view deck are accessible. needed. Boucher Hill also features a nearby Accessibility is continually improving. For accessible view deck with a panorama of the updates, visit http://access.parks.ca.gov. Pauma Valley below. NEARBY STATE PARKS RECREATION • San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park Fishing at Doane Pond Camping — Doane Valley Campground 15808 San Pasqual Valley Road has 31 family campsites. Each site has a Escondido 92027 (760) 737-2201 NATURAL HISTORY table, fire ring, barbecue, and food locker. • Carlsbad State Beach Palomar Mountain’s average 5,000-foot Restrooms and piped drinking water are 7201 Carlsbad Boulevard, Carlsbad 92008 elevation features mixed conifer forest and available nearby. (769) 438-3143 meadows, uncommon in Southern California. Group Campgrounds — The Cedar Grove On the trails wending through the 450- Group Campground has three areas for This park is supported in part through the acre Doane Valley Natural Preserve, hikers groups. Group Camp #1 is suitable for Friends of Palomar Mountain State Park pass white fir, incense cedar and big-cone trailers and camper vans up to 21 feet in P.O. Box 91, Palomar, CA 92060 Douglas-fir trees that provide ample shade. length and up to 25 people; two other (951) 265-6385 Flowering trees and shrubs in meadowlands group sites can accommodate up to 15 www.friendsofpalomarsp.org and streamside riparian areas blanket the people for tent camping only. Reserve all mountain with color each spring. Western campsites in advance at www.parks.ca.gov/ PLEASE REMEMBER dogwoods, azaleas, and lilies blossom, palomarmountain or call (800) 444-7275. • Except for service animals, dogs are not while lupine and penstemon poke Fishing — Fishing is available year round at allowed on unpaved trails. Dogs are through native meadow grasses. Doane Pond with a valid California fishing welcome on leash in campgrounds and on Such bird species as western bluebirds, license. Fishing hours are 6 a.m. to sunset. paved trails, but they must be confined in woodpeckers, and red-shouldered hawks Picnicking — Silvercrest picnic area a tent or vehicle at night. make this a birder’s haven. Predators such features shaded picnic tables, • Firewood is sold at the camp host site or as gray foxes, coyotes, and bobcats may barbecue pits, and restrooms. kiosk. Please contain fires to designated be spotted. Easier to see are southern Hiking — Palomar Mountain State barbecues and fire rings. mule deer and gray squirrels. Park has multiple hiking trails of varying difficulties. Please consult • All natural and cultural features of Palomar Boucher Hill Fire Lookout Tower the map for hiking routes, Mountain State Park are protected by law The mountain has a long history of use caution, and stay and may not be disturbed or removed. devastating wildfires, many caused on the trails. • Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. by lightning. The Boucher Hill Fire Generator use is not allowed from 8 p.m. Lookout Tower, at 5,400 feet elevation, Red-shouldered hawk until 10 a.m. 5400'

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