47 min
Overview
To gain access to the Madrone Trail, you can take the Alma Trail or the Redwood Springs Trail to the point where the two trails meet. There is no other access to the trail at this time. The Madrone Trail ascends from the junction of the Alma Trail and the Redwood Springs Trail to the Bear Creek Summit beneath a canopy of trees. <br><br>The dirt and grass trail departs the junction and climbs gently for roughly 0.2 miles before the incline increases. At 0.25 miles, the trail crosses a private road and continues to wind its way up hill. The trail climbs steeply from 0.25 miles to the 1 mile mark, with a couple of areas where it levels off momentarily before climbing steeply again. When you reach the Bear Creek Summit, the trail levels off and circles the summit, so you can go in either direction. Take a minute to relax, as you've climbed over 500 feet from the beginning of the trail in roughly 1 mile. You've put in a lot of work to get to this point. <br><br>It is roughly 0.2 miles around the summit, but all of the views are obscured by the trees there. Once you have enjoyed the summit and taken a breather, you can return to the junction via the trail you just climbed, getting to enjoy the descent as a reward for all the climbing you did on the way to the summit. When you get back to the junction, you can either make a loop via the trail that you did not take, or return back to your vehicle by the path that you took. It's about the same distance either way, so the choice is yours.<br><br>Though there are not sweeping views, if you are quiet you may encounter various species of birds and can hear them even if you can't see them. As evening approaches, listen for owls hooting in the woods. Ferns, mosses, and other species of plants grow beneath the trees and along the side of the trail. The undergrowth is pretty thick, making it difficult to see mammals and other animals in the preserve.
Trail Stats
1.8 km
164 m
736 m
571 m
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Photos
As you make your way around the summit, you can catch glimpses of the mountains around you, but there are no clear views.
As you make your way around the summit, you can catch glimpses of the mountains around you, but there are no clear views.
Take a moment to enjoy the texture of the bark on the trees, as various trees have different textures. There are amazing patterns and shades of brown and green on the trees.
Take a moment to enjoy the texture of the bark on the trees, as various trees have different textures. There are amazing patterns and shades of brown and green on the trees.
When the trail reaches Bear Creek Summit, also known as Madrone Knoll, it splits around the summit. You can go in either direction as both will lead you back to this point.
When the trail reaches Bear Creek Summit, also known as Madrone Knoll, it splits around the summit. You can go in either direction as both will lead you back to this point.
The trail approaches a private driveway that you need to cross to get to the summit. Take a minute to enjoy the respite from all of the climbing that you have been doing.
The trail approaches a private driveway that you need to cross to get to the summit. Take a minute to enjoy the respite from all of the climbing that you have been doing.
You can see how steep portions of the Alma Trail are as it climbs toward the intersection with the Redwood Springs Trail.
You can see how steep portions of the Alma Trail are as it climbs toward the intersection with the Redwood Springs Trail.
The Redwood Springs Trail levels off as it approaches the Alma Trail.
The Redwood Springs Trail levels off as it approaches the Alma Trail.
This old growth redwood sits off the left side of the trail and reminds you just how gigantic these trees can become.
This old growth redwood sits off the left side of the trail and reminds you just how gigantic these trees can become.