Perkins Canyon Fire, Geology, and History Hike

We’ll view mysterious volcanic domes, search for late-spring wildflowers, visit a historic dam, and relate tales of the odd characters who once populated the canyon, including a circus clown turned mercury miner and a cowboy in a derby hat.

Perkins Canyon was ground zero for the massive Morgan Fire that swept this area a few years ago. Greenbelt Alliance is working to prepare the Bay Area for the threat of wildfires, which are intensified by a changing climate. Read about our research here: Living with Wildfire

TOTAL DISTANCE

This is a moderate hike of about four miles round trip with a few hundred feet in elevation gain.

LEADER

Ken Lavin.

COST

Parking at this State Park trailhead is free.

WHERE TO MEET

We’ll assemble at the North Peak Trailhead Parking Area off Morgan Territory Road. The parking area comes up almost immediately on your right, just after the turn onto Morgan Territory Road from Marsh Creek Road.

NOTES

Bring liquids and snacks. Dress in layers and wear good hiking shoes. Bring poles if you normally use them.

There are no restrooms at the trailhead. For restrooms and water, stop at Clayton Community Park. Driving down Marsh Creek Road, turn left at Regency Drive into the city park for a bathroom break. (There is a stoplight at the intersection.)

If you have questions about this outing, please email Ken Lavin at [email protected] .

Ken Lavin is the Outing Coordinator for Greenbelt Alliance and has been leading our free educational outings for over a decade. Ken worked as a national park ranger in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and as an instructor for Diablo Nature Adventures, teaching environmental science to school groups in Mount Diablo State Park.

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