Portola State Park to Memorial County Park

Pescadero Creek offers kayakers a serene journey through the rich natural and cultural tapestry of California's coastal region. Flowing year-round, the creek meanders through the expansive 8,020-acre Pescadero Creek Park, which encompasses Sam McDonald, Pescadero Creek, and Memorial County Parks. This area is a vital steelhead trout spawning habitat, with ongoing efforts to restore coho salmon populations. Historically, the region was inhabited by the Quiroste tribe of the Ohlone people, who thrived along the Pacific coast from Bean Hollow to Año Nuevo Creek and inland to Butano Ridge. The Quiroste were known for their production of Monterey chert arrowheads and Olivella shell beads, which served as currency throughout Indigenous California. European settlement began in the 1860s when Danish immigrant Christian Iverson built a cabin along Pescadero Creek and engaged in redwood shake splitting. Subsequent logging activities by William Page and the Santa Cruz Lumber Company significantly shaped the landscape until the mid-20th century. In 1971, San Mateo County acquired 5,700 acres of this logged-over timberland from the Santa Cruz Lumber Company, leading to the establishment of Pescadero Creek Park. For paddlers, the creek is typically navigable after substantial rainfall, with optimal flows ranging from 200 to 800 cubic feet per second (cfs). While higher flows above 1,000 cfs can be enticing, they demand extreme caution due to the presence of river-wide strainers and potential logjams. The initial 7-mile stretch to Memorial Park offers Class II rapids, transitioning to more challenging Class III sections of the park, especially at flows exceeding 400 cfs. Adequate boat control is essential to navigate these waters safely. Packrafters particularly favor this run, as the standard quarter-mile carry-in is minimal for them. Various trails intersect the creek, allowing for customized entry points and the option to shorten the overall distance. Detailed trail maps are available to assist in planning these excursions. https://www.smcgov.org/parks/memorial-park-map https://www.smcgov.org/parks/pescadero-creek-park-trails