Whittemore Gulch and Purisima Creek Loop Trail

This hike explores beautiful Redwood forest, streams, and stunning ocean views. The hike starts out downhill, heading away from Skyline Blvd, and down toward the ocean. Soon after leaving the trailhead, you head out on top of one of the ocean facing ridges, where you can see the ocean and North Ridge Trail. Soon after the ocean views, the trail heads down and follows Whittemore Gulch. The trail follows the gulch down to the parking area on the opposite side of the park. The loop trail then heads up Purisima Creek. The trail meets up with the Bay Area Ridge Trail, and turns back up the ridge. This trail heads through some more redwood groves, and the ocean views return when the trail meets up with Harkins Ridge Trail. This is a slightly longer version of the popular Purisima Redwood Preserve area hike and starts on the eastern trailhead on the coastal side. The trail begins at the point where 3 of the major tributaries of the Purisima Creek joins into one and continues its flow into the Pacific ocean. A major part of the hike is in the shades of redwoods. However, towards the latter part with elevation gain the trail opens out to give some good views of the ocean.