Memorial Park

Memorial Park is a regional park in the Santa Cruz Mountains that spans thousands of acres with a network of trails winding through the landscape. Old-growth redwood trees dominate the forest, creating a towering woodland environment.

The park was founded in 1924 as San Mateo County's first public park and was created to preserve the redwood forest for the community. Certain trees within the grounds serve as memorial plantings for individuals lost during World War I.

The visitor center displays exhibits about local plants and animals, with guided walks led by naturalists on summer weekends that explore the forest ecology.

The park provides camping facilities for groups of different sizes as well as day-use areas with picnic spots and grilling options throughout the grounds. Most trails are well-marked, but carrying a map is wise and visitors should watch for wet conditions, especially during the damper months.

Pescadero Creek, which flows through the park, becomes a spawning ground each winter for steelhead trout returning from the ocean to breed. Visitors may spot this remarkable fish movement during hikes in the cooler months.