Ferndell to Mount Hollywood Summit

Begin on Fern Dell near Trails cafe. As you began the ascend, take the east trail (trail to the right) up to the Observatory. This is an all uphill hike so pace yourself. If you end up taking the west trail (left) it is ok because they eventually meet up. There isn't any shade on this trail until you are almost at the Observatory. Once you arrive at the Observatory (0.9 mile hike), take a bathroom break and refill your water. You will find the toilets and fountains near the parking lot. Continue across the parking lot to the trail that takes you up to Mt. Hollywood Summit. At the beginning of the trail, stop at the Berlin Gardens and read about it. Hollywood History! Continue on the trail. You will walk over a bridge (see photo) and continue all the way up. This trail is much more level and quite easy. You will eventually see an intersection with a small tree on the right and a sign on the left. You have a choice of going left or right. Choose the right, towards Dante's view. This is a beautiful small park to stop and visit. Once you have passed Dante's View, you will see another sign pointing the way to Mt. Hollywood Summit, .3 miles to go. Follow the trail up. You will see a 3 way intersection. Follow it up past a sign honoring officer Jeffery Lindenberg. You will also see another sign pointing toward Mt. Hollywood Summit. Follow it up. This is where the summit comes into View (see photo). Enjoy the view. Take it in and have a snack here. On my way down, take Captains roost. Once you leave the summit, go left and not right. You will take a sharp left and pass a water tower. You will also pass a new park on the right. Stop here and visit the little park with palm trees. Once you make your way all the way down the trail over the bridge again, you have a choice. You can go back up to the Observatory and take the same trail back down to Fern Dell or take the West Trail to Fern Dell heading down the hill on the right. Once on the west trail, you will come to the street (see photo). Cross the street and continue down the west trail all the way back to Fern Dell. You will begin seeing old dams and beautiful trees as you get toward the bottom (see photos). You will end up at the top of Fern Dell near the parking lot. Make sure you have plenty of water and sun screen. Enjoy!