KRUSE RHODODENDRON STATE RESERVE

Carpool at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge, or at The Sea Ranch Lodge at 10:00. Shortly after entering Salt Point State Park, drivers from the north should prepare to turn left on Kruse Ranch Road, just before Fisk Mill Cove. There is just a short drive to the official parking area. No fees and no passes required. Hike will begin from the Kruse parking area at 10:15. We will hike the short Rhododendron trail connecting with Phillips Gulch Trail and return on the Chinese Gulch Trail. This is only a two-mile hike. The first part is mostly up and the second part is mostly down (but no steep places). We will cross eight bridges over flowing creeks. This is a spectacular area.  We may be late to see the rhododendrons  in bloom, but we usually see coral root orchids in the forest. Lunch will be on some friendly logs in the forest at the end or we could walk down to Fisk Mill and Howard's picnic table (but we'd also have to walk back up afterwards to the cars since the parking at Fisk Mill is closed.)
Leader: Gary Sprague