5 min
Overview
The Upper Lake Loop Trail is a wide, paved interpretive trail that runs around Upper Lake, an old millpond during the logging days in the mid 1800s. There are a couple of interpretive signs around the lake, and the park map has additional information on sights that you'll encounter as you stroll around the lake. The trail provides insight to how the area has been in various ages, and allows you to encounter aquatic animals as you wonder. The maps in the parking lot provide information on 9 specific areas that highlight historical and ecological value of the preserve.<br><br>1. The first stop describes the reptiles and amphibians that you might see in the lake as you make your way around it. Turtles, salamanders, and newts are described in detail.<br><br>2. Ohlone Mortars, used by the Ohlone Indians to grind grass seeds and acorns into flour, sit on the side of the trail. Moved from other areas as a landscaping element in the "estate period."<br><br>3. The logging of the redwoods is described in detail.<br><br>4. The water systems were dramatically altered starting in the mid 1800s. Webb Creek was dammed to expand Upper Lake for milling purposes. Estate Owner Dr. Harry L. Tevis made the lake deeper and wider, as well as constructing cisterns to help keep his gardens lush.<br><br>5. St. Joseph's Shrine was built in the early days of Alma College and once housed a statue of St. Joseph. You can see the remnants of the shrine here.<br><br>6. Bear Creek Redwoods OSP is shaped by the San Andreas Fault, which helped form the Upper Lake and ridges above you.<br><br>7. The tension between native and non-native plants which were added during the "estate period" is described.<br><br>8. Roses from Dr. Tevis' gardens, as well as his love of horticulture, are described in detail. Here you can see the roses, especially as they bloom in the spring.<br><br>9. The last stop describes the importance and mission of the Midpeninsula Open Space District and POST to preserve these ecosystems instead of letting them be develop
Trail Stats
0.3 km
1 m
299 m
298 m
—
Photos
The St. Joseph's Shrine sits in the trees today. It once housed a statue of St. Joseph, the patron saint of Italians, who likely erected much of the Alma College complex.
The St. Joseph's Shrine sits in the trees today. It once housed a statue of St. Joseph, the patron saint of Italians, who likely erected much of the Alma College complex.
Upper Lake where you may encounter bullfrogs, turtles, salamanders, and newts, native to the area.
Upper Lake where you may encounter bullfrogs, turtles, salamanders, and newts, native to the area.
A turkey feeds along the trail in the evening.
A turkey feeds along the trail in the evening.
Blackberries ripen along the trail.
Blackberries ripen along the trail.
Roses and other flowers can be seen along the trail. You'll notice how blackberries, native to the area, grow among the flowers.
Roses and other flowers can be seen along the trail. You'll notice how blackberries, native to the area, grow among the flowers.
Ohlone Mortars sit along the trail.
Ohlone Mortars sit along the trail.