Doane Valley Nature Trail

DISTANCE: 1 MILE
TIME: 30 MIN.
EASY

Although most of the Julian/Cuyamaca area was burned in the 2003 Cedar Fire, the Palomar Mountain forest still remains to offer the feeling of being away amidst the mountain pines. The Doane Valley nature trail is a small interpretive loop that begins at the parking lot near Doane Pond in the Palomar Mountain State Park. Interpretive trail guides are available at the trailhead so that hikers can learn about the natural features along the trail. The trail winds through a forest filled with cedars, oaks, and white fir trees. A highlight of the trail is the very large twisted cedar tree which my brother is standing next to (right).

At one point the trail leads into a mountian meadow before winding back to the camp area. We saw a lot of birds, including Chickadees, Stellar's Jays, and Mountain Bluebirds. We also had a lot of fun calling for deer, but did not see any this time (though I have gotten very close to them on this trail before. If you are a fisherman, Doane Pond is an excellent place to catch trout. Below is a picture of me with the stringer of 9 fish caught by my Dad, brother Byron, sister April, and I.