Hike of the Week: Doane Valley Nature Trail

Modern Hiker’s Scott Turner recommends the Lower Doane Valley Loop/Weir Trail as an easy three-mile hike on San Diego County’s Mt. Palomar in the Cleveland National Forest.  The trail has brief episodes of climbing (300-400′), but is otherwise smooth, well-traveled, easy to follow and travels past some fine black oaks with bold gold and orange leaves.

Temperatures along the trail now hover in the mid to upper 50s, so carry a light layer should warmth be needed. Sturdy shoes should be worn and at least a liter of water should be carried. You will also want to bring along a good camera not just for the foliage but for frequent wild life sightings, including mule deer, wild turkey, bobcats, coyotes, and even banana slugs.  Yes, banana slugs!

Mt. Palomar State Park (Peak 75-100%) – Color spotter Scott Turner reports that “Mt. Palomar State Park is at full peak with some really beautiful color in the black oaks and some of the riparian vegetation along Doane Creek and the Weir Trail. Oaks along Thunder Ridge and Boucher Hill are also looking pretty good, but the best color is near Doane Pond and in Lower Doane Valley. Sadly, the foliage near the Observatory is past peak, so there were no classic foliage/Hale Telescope shots to be found. Now is the time to go up, as the Santa Ana wind event forecast over the next few days could have its way with the foliage.” GO NOW!

Hike of the Week: Lower Doane Valley Loop/Weir Trail – Find the trailhead at the Doane Pond parking lot on Mt. Palomar.  You’ll need $8 cash for parking.  The trail enters a dense patch of willows before crossing the road and descending to follow a creek bank. Continue right onto the Doane Valley Nature Trail when it splits from the Weir Trail (your return route). Follow the Nature Trail until it junctions with the French Valley Trail. Turn left and follow this trail as it splits off toward Doane Valley. At the next junction, turn right to cross Lower Doane Meadow.

After a few tenths of a mile, the trail connects with the Weir Trail. Turn right to follow the trail to the Weir where some of the best fall color is seen. Use extreme caution on the rocks here, as they get very slippery even when dry. Return along the Weir Trail and stay straight at the junction. The Weir Trail will merge back onto the Doane Valley Nature Trail as it passes through dense forest with a number of fully-turned black oaks and riparian vegetation to add a splash of color. The trail will return to the parking lot where your hike will conclude.