Redwood Regional Park, French - Stream trail loop

This loop starts at the Skyline Staging area, at a small parking lot with upgraded bathrooms. Most sites recoomend to do the loop starting from Stream trail loop and loop around to French trail. As a hiker that likes to do the most difficult part of the hike at the begining -when possible; I would recommend for anyone to do it backwards. Meaning starting from the West Rridge trail and within a mile turn left at the French trail.

The turn to the left to French trail can easily be missed. As soon as you take it though a way down the hill will start in a playful way.

The vegitation will change soon enough and before you know it you will be among redwood trees. Your way on french trail should be carefully taken through a small part of the Tres Sendas trail.

You should not miss the trail and lose your way heading towards the creek. If you see a creek to your right hand side you are going the wrong way and soon enough you will be over the creek on the Stream trail on your way back. Of course if you have a family, kids and a dog you can loop around there and finish an approximate 2.5 miles loop. But if you are there for a longer way...make sure to turn around.

You can head back to French trail in two ways. All the way back (uphill) from the Starflower trail - Tres Sendas and then French trail..or all the way up the Straflower trail to the French trail (like a short cut). Take some time to find the right way and head uphill. When on French trail, things are easy there after. Stay on it all the way. Not much elevation and the views of Redwoods will definately reward you.

Before you know it and for a total of 8.5 miles loop, French trail turns to Orchard and you have to make sure you are taking it to your left. Orchard trail heads down hill till you run into the Bridle trail, a flat trail used by many runners.Head to the left and soon enough you will have to chose either to keep on going on the Bridle trail or take a small right -left switch back to be on the Stream trail.

You have already completed about 5.7 miles with less than 3 miles to head back to the Skyline Staging area and the parking lot, so my suggestion is to take the Stream trail on this spot and have a snack break on the picnic tables, fresh water and a bathroom stop.

Keep on going till you pass the camp sites and the paved road is done. Make sure to enjoy nature and start your way back remaing on the Stream trail .

Three bridges and along the creek on your left side this time the Stream trail will take you slowly and un-noticable uphill back to the parking lot.and the Skyline Staging area.

Make sure to know our way out of the Piedmont hills area as there might be no signal reception. Hopefully you will also be rewarded with some views of the bay on the way back to oakland, SF or your home wherever you come from.

Below the trail map including the mistake before the Starflower turnaround and the elevation plot. (Device used Rino655t).