Starting at Pantoll Station was a great way to do this hike.  Not only did it cut down on the driving time by not going all the way to Stinson Beach, but it also meant we split up the downhill between the start and end.  And, as a bonus, we got a bit different hike than we had done 2 years ago.

Our route took us to the Dipsea Trail that led us down to the bottom of Steep Ravine Trail (a Must-Do section – its just SOOO beautiful).  Despite being a drought year and summer time, there was still plenty of moisture and the creek and falls were flowing.  The first half loop brought us back to Pantoll where we had a nice snack at the backpacking camp.

For the second half we went up using Stagecoach and Railroad Grade (Crookedest Railroad in the world?) but then stayed on to take Fern Creek up the last part – a bit steeper route.  There was an amazing small field of Leopard Lilies along the Railroad Grade as well as many other interesting flowers and thistles.  At the near top, we took the Verna Dunshee Plank Walk around the summit area before going up to the fire watch station at the top.  There we enjoyed the spectacular 360 degree views while eating our lunches.

For the way back, we took the RR Grade down to Rock Springs trail for virtually no-overlap, then taking Bootjack and Stagecoach after admiring the stone amphitheater that is the Mountain Theater (where I graduated from high school – chance to reminisce).

All in all, we hiked about 13.7 miles.  One of the best peaks IMHO.