I'd hiked an interpretive trail about earthquakes before, and wasn't that impressed,
so I didn't have much expectation for this hike. The truth is that the only reason
we did this hike was because it was short and the weather was miserable.
Tree next to the trail
So, we set off in misty weather along the paved path. It's a loop hike, although
arrows on the ground direct you to do it in a clockwise direction. We obliged,
following the trail through a forested area. The trail shortly crosses a small
footbridge over a creek, then comes to a broken fence showing the effects of the
1906 earthquake.
One of the several interpretive displays
There are several interpretive signs along the trail, which are probably more
interesting than the trail itself. Of course, you could gather most of the
information on the web.
Fence depicting displacement of the 1906 earthquake
The trail crosses another bridge, then returns to the parking area.
Since the hike is so short and next to the visitor's center, if you come in
good weather you'll probably find it quite crowded. It's short enough that
it's basically useful as a way to stretch your legs after a long drive to
the park.
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