A Family Outing Near Idyllwild

With its towering pines and incense cedars, great boulders and lively creeks, Idyllwild County Park offers a family-friendly introduction to the pleasures of the San Jacinto Mountains. Such pleasures are visited via a couple of miles of trail that tour the forest and climb to viewpoints for far-reaching vistas of the stony ramparts of the range.

The adventure begins at the Idyllwild Nature Center, a mile north of the town of Idyllwild. Exhibits present the natural and cultural history of the mountains. Many of Idyllwild’s slopes, including this parkland, were logged in the 19th century, so most of the forest is second growth.

Still, there are some impressive trees in these parts, as you’ll soon see when you set out on Yellow Pine Forest Trail, which departs from the nature center (where you can pick up an interpretive pamphlet for the path). The trail passes some amazing specimens of manzanita and meanders past black oak and boulders. With its soft reddish bark and stately stature, the incense cedar seems to exemplify tranquillity.

About halfway along, the nature trail travels near Lily Creek and arrives at an impressive bit of bedrock where the native Cahuilla Indians ground seeds and acorns. The resultant grinding holes (morteros) show that the Cahuilla chose a scenic spot indeed for such labor.

The longer loop trail begins behind the visitor center and, after a short, modest ascent southward, reaches a turnoff for a view point. Enjoy grand mountain views, particularly of Lily Rock--or Tahquitz Peak if you prefer.

Continue south on the main trail on a switchbacking descent to a junction. The left fork heads down to the park campground, but you’ll take the right and meander over a slope punctuated by impressive boulders and a mixed forest of oak, pine and cedar.

Cross Lily Creek on a log bridge to a junction with the left-forking Hillside Trail and the straight-ahead-bearing Loop Trail. (The two trails form a loop.) I like starting out with the more aggressive Loop Trail, which switchbacks steeply upward while offering great views.

After tracking back toward the park campground, you’ll close the loop, then retrace your steps. Recross the log bridge over Lily Creek and take the connector trail back to the nature center.

Directions to trail head: From the town of Idyllwild, drive a mile north on California 243 to the signed turnoff for Idyllwild County Park. Proceed to the last parking lot and walk up the path to the Idyllwild Nature Center, where Yellow Pine Forest Trail begins. The longer trail loop begins behind the nature center.

Park entrance fees are $2 per adult, $1 per child.