1. Whittemore Gulch Trail and Harkins Ridge Trail.
Descend past towering Douglas firs and knee-high forget-me-nots to Purisima Creek's redwood grove. Return by climbing the sunny slopes of Harkins Ridge. WHERE: Purisima Creek Redwoods O.S.P., west side State 35, 4 1/2 miles south of State 92 and 8 miles north of State 84. DISTANCE: 7 1/4 miles. DIFFICULTY: Moderate to strenuous.

2. Redwood Trail.
A wheelchair- and stroller-accessible path winds through redwoods.
WHERE: Purisima Creek Redwoods O.S.P., west side State 35, 6 1/2 miles south of State 92 and 6 miles north of State 84. DISTANCE: 1/2 mile.
DIFFICULTY: Easy.

Jean Jarvis
Ferns line Purisima Creek.

3. Purisima Creek Trail, Harkins Ridge Trail, and Soda Gulch Trail.
This day-long tour follows an old logging road to the preserve's lower reaches, then loops back via Harkins Ridge, with a stint in the second-growth redwoods of Soda Gulch
WHERE: Purisima Creek Redwoods O.S.P., west side State 35, 6 1/2 miles south of State 92 and 6 miles north of State 84.
DISTANCE: 10 3/4 miles.
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous.

4. Huddart Park loop.
A downhill jaunt on Summit Springs Fire Road, Crystal Springs Trail, and Dean Trail reveals dense redwoods, ferns, and huckleberry. Stop at McGarvey Flat for a picnic, then zigzag uphill on Chinquapin Trail.
WHERE: Park on west side State 35, 6 1/2 miles south of State 92 and 6 miles north of State 84; walk 100 feet south and cross road to Huddart County Park.
DISTANCE: 4 miles.
DIFFICULTY: Moderate.

5. Phleger Estate trails.
Access the clear waters of West Union Creek by taking Skyline Trail to Richard's Road Trail and Miramontes Trail. Loop back on Raymundo and Lonely Trails.
WHERE: Golden Gate National Recreation Area; park on west side State 35, 6 1/2 miles south of State 92 and 6 miles north of State 84. Walk 100 feet south and cross road.
DISTANCE: 7 miles.
DIFFICULTY: Moderate to strenuous.