San Pedro Valley Park

Drive to the end of Linda Mar in Pacifica and the houses give way to a quiet valley of willows, alders and coastal scrub. This is San Pedro Valley Park, a 1,052-acre San Mateo County park on the middle and south forks of San Pedro Creek. The county says the creeks are some of the few remaining spawning grounds for migratory steelhead in the county. In winter, Brooks Falls pours 175 feet down the canyon wall in three tiers.

It is a different world from the dry foothills near Palo Alto. The park sits in the coastal fog belt, which the county notes makes it a popular retreat on hot summer days on the bay side. This guide covers the drive, hours and fees, the seven trails, the visitor center and the rules, which include a firm no on dogs.

Getting there

From Palo Alto, take Interstate 280 north, then head to Highway 1 and south through Pacifica to Linda Mar Boulevard. Turn inland on Linda Mar and follow it to Oddstad Boulevard; the park entrance is at 600 Oddstad Blvd. Allow about 45 minutes in light traffic. Highway 1 through Pacifica can back up on summer weekends, so start early.

Pay the $6 vehicle fee at the entrance. The visitor center is near the entrance.

Hours and fees

The county says the park opens at 8 a.m. every day of the year, holidays included. Closing times change by season:

• Vehicle entry: $6. The county parks annual pass, listed at $72, covers entry.
• Fee waiver: available for those who qualify, the county says.
• Contacts: park office (650) 355-8289. The county's closure notices also give 650-400-5536 for trail questions.

Check the county's park page and its closure notices before you go. In October 2026 the county closed part of the Weiler Ranch Trail for tree work through October 30; no closure was posted after that date when we checked on November 1.

Trails

The county counts seven trails of varied length and difficulty. It publishes a distance only for the Brooks Falls loop, so pick up a map at the visitor center.

The Brooks Falls loop

The classic hike climbs the Brooks Creek Trail with views across the canyon to Brooks Falls, then returns on the Montara Mountain Trail for a 2.2-mile loop. The trail gains height through coastal scrub. Higher up, the ocean comes into view. Go after a good rain between December and March for the best flow. In a dry spell or late summer, the fall can shrink to a trickle. Our waterfalls guide compares Brooks Falls with Uvas Canyon and Castle Rock.

Easy walks

With small children, try the Plaskon Nature Trail or the flat Weiler Ranch Road along the creek. Hazelnut and Valley View make a longer loop with ocean views for fit hikers.

Steelhead, wildflowers and wildlife

Three creeks flow year-round here: the south and middle forks of San Pedro Creek and Brooks Creek. The county says steelhead spawning season normally runs from December to February. Watch from the banks and never wade into the creeks.

Spring brings poppies, suncups, buttercups, wild radish and mustard to the meadows of the Middle Valley. Along the creeks grow coast and giant trillium, creek dogwood, arroyo willow and ferns. The thick coastal scrub shelters rare plants, including giant golden chinquapin, Montara manzanita and California hazelnut.

The county lists red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, quail, scrub jays and garter snakes as common sights, with deer, bobcats, gray fox, raccoons, rabbits and gopher snakes seen less often. Our birdwatching guide has more places to look for hawks.

Visitor center and picnics

A visitor center near the entrance has exhibits on the valley's plants and animals, some of them live, plus a small library and bookstore with trail guides and local books. The county says it is open weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Every Tuesday morning the park hosts a Musical Storytime for all ages.

The park has group picnic areas that can be reserved and family sites with barbecue pits. Fires are allowed only in park barbecue pits. Beer and wine are permitted in certain areas, but no hard liquor. The Friends of San Pedro Valley Park run volunteer days for those who want to help with trail and habitat work.

Dogs, bikes and horses

• Dogs: not allowed, nor any other pets. San Mateo County keeps a short list of dog-friendly parks instead; see our dog-friendly hikes guide.
• Bikes: the park rules allow bikes only on paved roads and in parking areas. The county's trail page describes Weiler Ranch Road as open to cyclists too. Stay off the other trails.
• Horses: designated trails only. The county names the Hazelnut and Valley View trails and Weiler Ranch Road as open to riders.
• Fishing: not permitted; the creeks protect steelhead.
• Also banned: picking wildflowers, gathering wood, drones and remote-control models, smoking, loud radios and feeding wildlife. Stay on designated trails at all times.

Weather and safety

Expect cool, damp air and fog, especially in summer mornings. Bring a layer even when Palo Alto is hot. Trails can be muddy and slippery after winter rain, especially on the steeper sections of the Brooks Creek Trail.

Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolá reached the shore of San Pedro Valley in 1769, the county says. The valley later became an outpost of the mission system, growing wheat, fruit and vegetables for Mission Dolores. In more recent times the Middle Valley grew pumpkins and artichokes. The South Fork held a trout farm run by John Gay until 1962, when storms washed it out.

What pairs nearby

• Pacifica: the surf beach at Linda Mar and the Devil's Slide Trail are a short drive away.
• Montara and Moss Beach: tide pools at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, south along Highway 1.
• Half Moon Bay: continue south for lunch and the coast.

Frequently asked questions