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Home , Briones Regional Park, Tomales Bay State Park

Hiking in Northern L.E.A.D. 2017 William “Bill” Dailey, Troop 21, Scott Kubik, Bruce McGurk

In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks. ~ John Muir, 1913 Hiking Merit Badge – 1921

Course Objectives: Today, We will discuss. . . . . I. Hydration, essential items for hiking and basic hiking safety II. Estimating how long a hike will take III. Local council hiking programs including: Trail Trekkers, Highlander, and Rim Rovers IV. Historical hikes and the BSA Historic Trails Award. V. As many other hiking trails and hiking areas as time will allow.

Although the goal of your hiking program can be just to “get out and hike,” hikes can incorporate map and compass skills, Leave No Trace principles, nature identification, and education of an area’s historical significance. A formal unit hiking program puts at the forefront, scouting’s fundamental nature of being outdoors, cooperation, health and fitness, perseverance, and a positive attitude.

Today, we will be focusing primarily on two local councils, Silverado Council (MDSC) and the Bay Area Council (SFBAC) and the established hiking programs they have. Both councils use a patch system used for recognition of completion of each hike with a large base patch earned after the first hike and then smaller rocker patches for each individual hike completed. Patches are worn on the red Cub Scout vest and/or jacket (i.e., not on the Class A uniform), and on the sash for Scouts. Remember, that earning of a patch should not be the reason for completing a hike; rather, the patch should be a reminder of a Scouting event, hopefully fun.

Please request a Local Tour Permit at least one week prior to your hike. A copy of your Tour Permit may be required for purchase of patches.

Mount Diablo Silverado Council Council http://www.mdscbsa.org/ http://www.sfbac.org 800 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill, CA 94597 1001 Davis St, San Leandro 94577 (925) 674-6100 (510)633-2005, (510)633-1795 fax M-F: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm M-F: 9:00-6:00 Sat: 9:00-4:30 Hydration

During HOT weather, you sweat up to 1 quart of fluid for every hour you walk. Even a mild level of dehydration can make hiking a lot less fun. Your body can only absorb so much water at a time.

Do not wait until you are feeling thirsty to start replacing fluids and electrolytes. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.

Courtesy

Please instruct your Scouts on the need to observe and obey the regulations that are in effect in National, State, and Regional Parks. On some trips you will be given the courtesy of passing across private property. Please repay these people's trust by keeping the area free of litter, respecting their property, and leaving the gates as you find them. Clean up and pack out any litter you may come upon. Perpetuate the good turn ideal. You will probably eat your lunch at or near the summit; be sure all bags, cans, etc., are packed out with you. Essentials for Hiking

Basic Hiking Safety:

• DON’T GET LOST! Plan ahead; know where you’re going. • Bring plenty of water, 1 pint of water for each hour of hiking. Never drink untreated water. • Bring a trail map with you and stick to the established trail. • Choose a trail which is appropriate for the length of time you have. • Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return. • Never hike alone or at night; always use the buddy system. • Practice Leave No Trace and follow the Outdoor Code. • Dress properly for the weather and environment. • Keep your feet dry. Wet feet become irritated and uncomfortable. • Wear sun and insect protection. • Avoid hiking along roadways. • Be alert to your surroundings: animals, insects, and plants. • IF YOU GET LOST, stay where you are.

Estimating how long a hike will take:

Your average hiking speed will vary according to your conditioning and hiking experience. Besides personal differences, different trails will have a huge impact on your hiking speed. Some trails are at a higher elevation, which decreases the amount of oxygen replenishing your muscles. Sand or gravel can make hiking more difficult as well. Some hikes are more rugged, and while they may not go very high in elevation, you may constantly be climbing or descending small hills along the way. With all these considered:

Most hikers will average about 2-3 miles per hour Use this average to calculate your estimated time.

Trail Trekkers - SFBC

This program offers a series of hikes which range in demand from all levels of hikers including Cub Scouts (6-11 years) and their families, to more physically demanding, and more appropriate for Webelos-age boys.

Coyote Hills – Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont http://www.ebparks.org/parks/coyote_hills http://www.bsapack163.org/events/trail-trekker/coyote-hills/ Flag Hill – Sunol Regional Wilderness, Sunol http://www.ebparks.org/parks/sunol.htm http://www.bsapack163.org/events/trail-trekker/flag-hill/ Hoot Owl – Sycamore Grove Regional Park, Livermore http://www.larpd.dst.ca.us/open_space/hoot.html http://www.bsapack163.org/events/trail-trekker/hoot-owl/ Little Yosemite – Sunol Regional Wilderness, Sunol http://www.ebparks.org/parks/sunol http://www.bsapack163.org/events/trail-trekker/little-yosemite/ Redwood Creek – Redwood Regional Park, Oakland http://www.ebparks.org/parks/redwood http://www.bsapack163.org/events/trail-trekker/redwood-creek/ – Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Marin http://www.nps.gov/goga/index.htm http://www.bsapack163.org/events/trail-trekker/rodeo-lagoon/ Sycamore Grove - Sycamore Grove Regional Park, Livermore http://www.larpd.dst.ca.us/open_space/sycamore.html http://www.bsapack163.org/events/trail-trekker/sycamore-grove/ Wildcat Peak - Tilden Nature Study Area, , Berkeley http://www.bsapack163.org/events/trail-trekker/wildcat-peak/

Special thanks to Pack 163 from Fremont CA for such a great website and hiking information.

Presidio Historic Trail SFBC

San Francisco Bay Area Council established the Presidio Historic Trail Program over four decades ago. The Boy Scout Historic Trail Program was first established when Scouting had an official campsite on Rob Hill, with the distinctive round Trail Award featuring the Spanish Captain in helmet. The shorter Cub Scout Trail day hike was established with its own patch featuring the view of the Golden Gate Bridge in the early 1980’s.

Cub Scout Historic Trail (approximately 3.5 miles)

♦ Begin at Presidio Museum (originally an Army Hospital), and proceed southwest on Funston Avenue. Turn right and head northwest on Moraga Avenue, passing the Officers Club. ♦ Turn right at the Flag Pole, observing the old cannons and the original Spanish Presidio Fort. Visit the Visitors Center on the Main Parade Ground (restrooms and interesting exhibits here). ♦ Turn left on Sheridan Avenue; proceed west to Lincoln Blvd. Stop at San Francisco National Cemetery for prayer or meditation and acknowledgement of deceased veterans serving to our country. ♦ Continue west on Lincoln Blvd.; turn right on Crissy Field Avenue. Continue west on Crissy Field Avenue, underneath Doyle Drive Freeway, until it rejoins Lincoln Blvd. ♦ Continue north on Lincoln Blvd., and then turn right to hike north on Long Avenue and Marine Drive following the bay coast into Fort Point National Historic Site. ♦ After visiting Fort Point (interesting exhibits and films here, and great views underneath the Golden Gate Bridge), hike south up to the Golden Gate Bridge Visitors Center. ♦ Continue west, then southwest on Coastal Trail past the old cannon batteries on the western side of the Presidio. Hike south until you reach Battery Chamberlain, where Cub Scout pack members may be picked up by automobile at this point

Boy Scout hike continues as described below:

Boy Scout Historic Trail (approximately 8 miles) includes first half of hike listed above ♦ Return from Battery Chamberlain hiking north on Coastal Trail to Lincoln Blvd. Cross over Lincoln Blvd. and see West Coast World War II memorial. ♦ Continue north until trail on right enters Fort Winfield Scott. ♦ Continue to the right on Ralston Avenue, with the option of entering Fort Winfield Scott fields, then continue north on Ralston Avenue as it loops around Fort Winfield Scott. ♦ Turn left on Storey Avenue, then turn right and continue northeast on Lincoln Avenue. ♦ After going underneath U.S. 101 on Lincoln Avenue, turn left to hike toward Golden Gate Bridge Visitor Center. ♦ After stopping for restrooms and Visitor Center, hike 2.2 miles across Golden Gate Bridge. Troop may be picked up by automobile at Marin County Vista Point at the north end of the bridge (eastern side of U.S. 101 freeway, free direction for automobiles traveling from San Francisco into Marin County).

Highlander MDSC

Started in 2003, the Mt. Diablo Silverado Council's Highlander program encourages youth in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts and Venturing to experience the outdoor wonders that exist within the Mt. Diablo Silverado Council.

Anderson Marsh - Anderson Marsh State Historic Park - 8825 Highway 53 - Lower Lake, CA http://www.mdscbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Anderson-Marsh-Highlander-Hike-Info.doc

Bald Mountain - Sugarloaf Ridge State Park 2605 Adobe Canyon Road Kenwood, CA http://www.mdscbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Bald-Mountain-Highlander-Hike-Info.doc

Black Diamond - Black Diamond Mines - 5175 Somersville Road Antioch, CA http://www.mdscbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Black-Diamond-Highlander-Hike-Info.doc

Boggs Mountain - Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest Cobb , CA http://www.mdscbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Boggs-Mountain-Highlander-Hike-Info.doc

Briones - Briones Regional Park Lafayette and Martinez, CA http://www.mdscbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Briones-Highlander-Hike-Info.doc

Dorn Trail - The Dorn Nature Trail - Clear Lake State Park 5300 Soda Bay Road Kelseyville, CA http://www.mdscbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Dorn-Trail-Highlander-Hike-Info.doc

Fages Trail - Camp Herms – Mount Diablo Silverado Council, El Cerrito, CA http://www.mdscbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Fages-Trail-Highlander-Hike-Info.doc

Goat Rock - Cow Mountain via Glen Eden Trail - Bureau of Land Management Ukiah, CA http://www.mdscbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Goat-Rock-Highlander-Hike-Info.doc

Las Trampas - Las Trampas Regional Wilderness 18012 Bollinger Canyon Road San Ramon, CA http://www.mdscbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/La-Trampas-Highlander-Hike-Info.doc

Mt. Diablo - Mt Diablo State Park Clayton, CA http://www.mdscbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Mt-Diablo-Highlander-Hike-Info.doc

Mt. Konocti - Top of Konocti Farms Note: Please call (707) 245-7322 before your trip for more information on hiking at Mt. Konocti. http://www.mdscbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Mt-Konocti-Highlander-Hike-Info.doc

Mt. St. Helena - Robert Louis Stevenson State Park 7 miles north of Calistoga, CA http://www.mdscbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Mt-St-Helena-Highlander-Hike-Info.doc

Redbud Trail - The Redbud Trail to Baton Flats - Cache Creek Bureau of Land Management Ukiah, CA http://www.mdscbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Redbud-Trail-Highlander-Hike-Info.doc

Snow Mountain - National Forest 10025 Elk Mountain Road Upper Lake, CA http://www.mdscbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Snow-Mountain-Highlander-Hike-Info.doc

Highlander Trail Comparisons

Rim Rovers SFBC

The purpose of the RIM OF THE BAY patch program is to encourage hiking and to bring into the lives of our Scouts a "mountain top" experience. There are six Mountains that surround our area that you hike up. All of these trips can be accomplished in a single day. There are camping sites at or near most if your plans include an overnight camp experience. For Boy Scouts, this activity can contribute to the Tenderfoot Rank, the Backpacking, Camping, and Hiking Merit Badges; and Forester, Geologist, Outdoorsman, and Traveler for Webelos. These hikes are not approved for Cub Scout use. http://www.sfbac.org/programs/hiking

Mission Peak - Near Fremont/Milpitas, CA Regional Park District 6.9 miles round trip (Peak Trail) Elevation: 2,517' Elevation Gain: 1,997'

Mount Diablo - Near Walnut Creek, CA California State Parks 7 miles round trip Elevation: 3,849' Elevation Gain: 2,249'

Mount St. Helena - Near Sonoma, CA California State Parks (Robert Louis Stevenson SP) 11 miles (No Cub Scouts) Elevation: 4,343' Elevation Gain: 1,384'

Mount Tamalpais - Near San Rafael, CA California State Parks 8.5 miles round trip Elevation: 2,571' Elevation Gain: 1,081'

Mount Wittenberg - At Pt. Reyes, CA National Seashore 5 to 6 miles (depending on the trail). Elevation: 1,407' Elevation Gain: 1,367'

Pinnacles - Near Soledad, CA Pinnacles National Monument 5.9 miles round trip from the Visitor Center, across the High Peaks Trail and side trip through Bear Gulch Caves. This is the minimum hike to qualify for the patch. Longer trips are possible. Elevation Gain: 1400’

Sunol to Del Valle SFBC

For hikes through the Area - East Bay Regional Parks District) with end points at Del Valle and either Sunol or

Distance: 20-29 miles

Note: An East Bay Regional Park District Ohlone Wilderness Trail Permit is required for each hiker along the trail.

Requirements: 1. Scouts or other organized hiking groups 2. A copy of the Council Tour Permit (available for download from web site below) with HAT certification number 3. Two-deep leadership 4. A copy of the Ohlone Wilderness Regional Trail Permit

The Fages Historic Trail MDSC http://www.mdscbsa.org/events/unit-programs/highlander-program/fages-trail/

The Fages Historic Trail in the hills above Berkeley and El Cerrito commemorates and follows portions of the 1772 trek by a party led by Captain Pedro Fages (pronounced "fah hace") searching for a land route around San Francisco Bay. There are in fact 3 different ways to take the trail. There is a 10.4-mile loop for Boy Scouts and Fages II, a 20-mile loop for High Ventures.

Best Bay Area Hikes - http://bahiker.com/trails.html (Each hike is a link – press CTL and then click on link to go to site) Winter North Bay: -: Cataract Falls -Mount Tamalpais State Park: Matt Davis-Steep Ravine Loop -Pine Mountain/MMWD: Carson Falls -Point Reyes National Seashore: Palomarin to Alamere Falls -Robert Louis Stevenson State Park East Bay: -Mission Peak Regional Preserve -Mount Diablo State Park: Donner Canyon Waterfall Loop Peninsula and South Bay: -Año Nuevo State Reserve -San Pedro Valley Park -Uvas Canyon County Park

Spring North Bay: -Mount Tamalpais State Park: Matt Davis-Steep Ravine Loop -Point Reyes National Seashore: Chimney Rock East Bay: -Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve -Briones Regional Park -Mount Diablo State Park: Mitchell Canyon-Eagle Peak Loop -Sunol Regional Wilderness Peninsula and South Bay: -Henry W. Coe State Park -Edgewood Park and Preserve -Joseph D. Grant County Park -Monte Bello Open Space Preserve -Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve -San Bruno Mountain County Park

Thanks to bahiker.com

Summer North Bay: -Tomales Bay State Park East Bay: -Huckleberry Regional Botanic Reserve -Redwood Regional Park Peninsula and South Bay: -Big Basin Redwoods State Park Portola Redwoods State Park

Autumn North Bay: - -Jack London State Historic Park -Olompali State Park -Samuel P. Taylor State Park East Bay: -Briones Regional Park Peninsula and South Bay: -Castle Rock State Park -Fall Creek Unit: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park -Sawyer Camp Trail

Best overall, in any season North Bay: -Angel Island State Park -Mount Tamalpais State Park: Matt Davis-Steep Ravine Loop -Point Reyes National Seashore: Palomarin to Alamere Falls Peninsula and South Bay: -Castle Rock State Park -San Bruno Mountain County Park -Mount Tam Watershed Thanks to bahiker.com

Yosemite Valley Falls and Walls http://www.yosemitescouting.org/camping/baloo-camping-sites/51471 (Look under the Camping link at the Greater Yosemite Council website for other camping adventures.)

What better way is there to experience Yosemite than to take a walk or hike? Listed below are five day hikes originating in Yosemite Valley. Use your common sense to avoid accidents and injuries, and always remember to bring your own drinking water on hikes. Remember to stop by a park visitor center before your hike to get current trail and weather conditions, and to prepare for the unexpected; carry food and water, rain gear, and emergency including matches and first aid supplies. It is wise to carry a flashlight in case you return after dark.

Distance (Round Trail Starting Point Elevation Gain, Difficulty Trip) Mirror Lake, 1 mile to Lake, 3 Mirror Lake Little Gain, Easy Shuttle Stop 17 miles around Lake Sunnyside Upper Yosemite 7.2 miles round 2700' Elevation Gain, Very Camp, Shuttle Falls trip Strenuous Stop 8 Nevada Fall, Mist Happy Isles, Trail or John Muir 7 miles round trip 1900' Elevation Gain, Strenuous Shuttle Stop 16 Trail Half Dome, Mist Happy Isles, 4800' Elevation Gain, Most Trail or John Muir 17 miles round trip Shuttle Stop 16 Strenuous Trail Glacier Point, 3200' Elevation Gain, Very Southside Drive 4.8 miles one way Four Mile Trail Strenuous

Detailed maps and hiking guides are available for purchase at park visitor centers and gift shops. Please remember that dogs and other pets, bicycles and mountain bikes, and motor vehicles are not allowed on park trails. Pets are allowed on paved paths on the floor of Yosemite Valley and must be kept on a leash at all times. Horses and mules have the right-of-way on trails. Hikers should step to the uphill side of the trail, if possible, and remain quiet while animals pass. Do not attempt to touch them.

EASY BAY AREA OUTINGS FOR CUBS AND SCOUTS

1. Briones Regional Park Activity: Camp out inside group round house with fire pit inside, or tent camp out-side Age group: All Time of year: Spring, Fall, Summer. RSVP: East Bay Regional Parks (888-327-2757), Maud Whalen group site. Location: Bear Creek park entrance, Briones Park, http://www.ebparks.org/parks/briones

Information: Scouts take easy hike in one mile from parking lot to site. In dry weather two vehicles can bring in supplies. Site has bathrooms, running water, BBQ pits and picnic tables. You can all sleep on cement pad in roundhouse or in tents outside. There is a flat field on site for games, and great hiking from site out into park. Great camp for young scouts, fenced in site. You can have fire year round, bring wood and fire buckets.

2. Mt. Diablo State Park Activity: Camp out, hike, and visit Rock City Age Group: All Time of Year: Summer, Fall RSVP: Reserve America – on-line, http://www.reserveamerica.com Location: Mt Diablo State Park, http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=517

Information: There are lots of small sites and group sites to reserve on the mountain. Boys can hike to Rock City, and up the mountain on the ridge trail. All sites have running water, bathrooms, BBQ pits, and picnic tables. Watch out for poison oak and food stealing raccoons. Set up rules for climbing rocks before you go in to Rock City.

3. China Camp State Park (Back Packing) Activity: Camp-out and Intro back packing hike Age Group: Webelos & Scouts Time of year: Spring, Summer, Fall RSVP: Reserve America – on-line, http://www.reserveamerica.com Location: China Camp SP, San Pedro Road-at the end, San Rafael, CA (415) 456-0766, http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=466

Information: Intro back packing hike along shoreline trail from ranger station to campground. Cars can be shuttled to camp ground parking lot. Easy trail hike 4 miles or so, big campsites. All sites have running water and bathrooms. You can have a campfire year round; firewood is sold at the campground entrance. Good time to let the Webelos scouts try out back packing gear and food, with the cars close just in case. Don’t forget to visit the pier and museum.

4. Shell Ridge Hike Activity: Hike Age Group: All Time of year: Spring, Summer, Fall RSVP: None needed http://www.walnut-creek.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/10/664 Location: 1035 Castle Rock Road, 1/2 mile past Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

Information: Great easy hiking for all ages of Scouts. You can pick the difficulty based on the group. Good area for finding fossils to look at and or make a mold of. In the spring or fall you can cast animal tracks. This area has all the different rock types to see. Older Scouts could mountain bike here. In the spring you can fly kites.

5. Big Basin Redwoods State Park Activity: Hike or Camp Age: All Time of year: Spring, Summer, Fall RSVP: Camping only, Reserve America, (800) 444-PARK (7275) Location: 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, California, U.S.A. 95006-9064 http://www.bigbasin.org, (831) 338-8860, http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540

Information: This Park is tucked in to the redwoods in the Santa Cruz mountains. There are hikes for all ages; the camping is fun with all the tall redwoods surrounding the sites. All sites have fire pits, water and bathrooms. The Redwood loop trail is a great hike for young Scouts.

6. Point Reyes National Seashore Activity: Hiking, Back Packing, Camping Age: Webelos & Scouts Time of year: Spring, Summer, Fall RSVP: Yes, 3 months in advance Location: Point Reyes National Seashore Campground, https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm 76 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station CA 94956 Point Reyes is located approximately 30 miles (50 km) north of San Francisco on Highway 1 along the west coast of California, (415) 663-8054

Information: Hike in to SKY CAMP. 1.4 miles in to camp. View the ocean from camp. Sky Camp is located on the western side of Mt. Wittenberg at an elevation of 310 meters (1025 feet). In clear weather, it has a sweeping view of Point Reyes, , and the Pacific Ocean. The easiest and shortest approach is a 2.2 km (1.4 miles) moderate uphill hike or bicycle ride from the Sky Trailhead (elevation 250 meters (840 feet)) on Limantour Road.