The Summit Trail is a very popular and spectacular 3-mile loop that stretches over the northern portion of the Mountain and is the most species-rich trail. It passes through a logged eucalyptus plantation and descends past active seeps until it reaches April Brook.

We’ll see horsetails, fringe cups, iris, coast rock cress, a clubrush, and at least five ferns.

From there we head up to Bitter Cherry Ridge with rocky outcrops covered with fog lichens and views of the ocean and the Daly City dunes. If we have time, we’ll check out Kamchatka Point then descend to the parking lot through Cable Ravine. Otherwise, we’ll bail out at Battery Road 59 and descend Radio Road.

There is a $6 fee (cash or credit/debit card) for park admission payable at the pay station. Meet in the main parking lot which is visible from the kiosk. Heavy rain cancels.

To sign up for the field trip email dougsr228@comcast.net. Sign the online waiver to attend.

Angelica and plant community & Closeup of twinberry, Lonicera involucrata. Photos by Margo Bors