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Memorial Park
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There's a humbling feeling when you're in the presence of redwoods. A gentle peace envelopes you like a fog that drifts in. This peace is found every day at Memorial Park. Its 499 acres provides an opportunity to view outstanding old-growth redwoods and has picnic facilities, a visitor center, a camp store, a creek swimming area, and campfire programs. The park is known for its family camping areas and the Tan Oak and Mt. Ellen Nature Trails.
All programs and facilities may not be available, and are subject to change. Please call the park at (650) 879-0238.
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| History | Trails | Facilities | Activities | Hours | Natural Features | Directions | Reservations | Volunteers | Regulations |
History
Timber surrounding this area was logged in the late 1800's and early 1900's, both for redwood lumber and the bark of the tan oak tree. In fact, four small sawmill sites are either on or adjacent to the present park boundaries. Fortunately, many of the areas in the park were saved from the logger's saws and were eventually acquired by the County in 1924. The park was memorialized for for the men of San Mateo County who died in the First World War.
The Depression brought many to the area when Memorial Park was established as a project camp for the Work Projects Administration created by President Roosevelt. Many of the existing restrooms, roadways and picnic sites are the result of their efforts.
Trails
Over eight miles of hiking trails lead the visitor through a changing panorama of habitats from Pescadero Creek, through the woods and to the summit of Mt Ellen (elevation 600 feet). The self-guided Mt. Ellen Nature Trail offers a short and easy interpretive loop through the park's northern area.
Learn more about Memorial Park Trails.
Observe all trail signs and posted speed limits. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not allowed off designated paved areas. Please respect your fellow trail users and follow the trail etiquette guidelines for safe and courteous trail use.
Facilities
Memorial Park is open year-round for camping, picnicking and youth group activities. Family picnic sites are located at the East End of the park. Memorial Park has two large family camping areas. Sites are available for up to two weeks. A maximum of eight people is accommodated per site. There are water and shower facilities and firewood is sold. The showers are coin operated - 25ยข for 2 minutes. A limited number of sites can accommodate recreational vehicles up to 35 feet in length. A dump station is available for registered recreational vehicles. Campsite availability can be checked on our on-line reservation system.
Two group camping areas are located in the Wurr Flat at the southeasterly portion of the park. Each area (Wurr Flat #1 and Wurr Flat #2 accommodate 75 people) and are available by reservation.
The Huckleberry Flat picnic ground is divided into four sections which are available by reservation.
Huckleberry Flat #1
Huckleberry Flat #2
Huckleberry Flat #3
Huckleberry Flat #4
Two areas in Redwood Flat camping area are available by reservation for Youth Groups (must provide proof of Youth Group Status).
Redwood Flat Youth Camp #1
Redwood Flat Youth Camp #2
Tan Oak Day Camp is available without need of a reservation and is filled on a first come first serve basis. A camp store features camping supplies, groceries, wood, ice, ice cream, candy, and soft drinks. It is open Memorial Day through September. It is located near the park entrance in the picnic area.
Family Camping at Azalea, Bay Tree, and Sequoia Flats, is available by reservation.
Activities
An interpretive center is located next to the park office. Open daily, May-September, the center has natural and historic exhibits, game boards, and hands-on articles for visitor experience.
The park provides regular campfire and naturalist programs during the summer months. A Park Naturalist leads evening campfires, nature programs and walks on various trails. Pamphlets are also available for self guided walks on the Mt. Ellen Nature Trail.
During the summer months, a wading hole forms in Pescadero Creek just east of the amphitheater. Kids, young and old alike, enjoy wading and playing in the clear stream water and sunbathing on the beach.
Days and Hours of Operation
Memorial Park is open for day use every day of the year including holidays. It opens daily at 8:00 A.M. The closing time varies by time of year. The closing times are:
- December - February 5:00 P.M.
- March 6:00 P.M. (before Daylight Savings Time starts)
- March 7:00 P.M. (after Daylight Savings Time starts)
- April - August 8:00 P.M.
- September 8:00 P.M. (through Labor Day)
- September 7:00 P.M. (beginning the day after Labor Day)
- October 7:00 P.M. (first week[s] of October)
- October 6:00 P.M. (last three weeks of October)
- November 6:00 P.M. (before Daylight Saving Time ends)
- November 5:00 P.M. (after Daylight Saving Time ends
Natural Features
Common plants, which may be found here, are huckleberry, poison oak, ferns, redwood sorrel and horsetail. Animals seen in abundance are Steller's jays, acorn woodpeckers, western grey squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and banana slugs.
Pescadero Creek is a winter home for steelhead trout as they migrate upstream to spawn and then move back to the sea in the spring. This stream is viewed as a very significant part of the local watershed and riparian corridor system. Bloomquist, Hoffman, McCormick, and Peterson Creeks join Pescadero Creek within the park boundaries.
The summer temperature is pleasant and occasionally a cool fog drifts in from the ocean. In winter, the air is crisp and the ground and plants are moist. The yearly rainfall averages 40 inches and frosts are frequent.
All of the plant and animal species are protected in the Park, and their habitats may be off limits to park users. Please observe signs carefully, and stay on marked trails and out of areas designated as protected.
Prepare for a safe and enjoyable visit to Memorial Park and other San Mateo County Parks by being aware of your natural environment.
Directions to the Park
When coming to Memorial Park from the bayside of the peninsula, use Highway 84 west from either Highway 280, 101 or 35 (Skyline Boulevard). Travel westbound down Highway 84 from Skyline Boulevard to Pescadero Road near the Town of La Honda. Turn left (south) on Pescadero Road. Follow Pescadero Road to the park entrance.
When coming to Memorial Park from the coastside, use Highway 1 to Pescadero Road. Follow Pescadero Road to the park entrance.
Reservations
Memorial Park has four group picnic areas that can be reserved in Huckleberry Flat.
Memorial also has two group campgrounds, Wurr Flat Areas 1 and 2, which are available by reservation for group camping activities.
The Tan Oak Day Camp accommodates up to 80 youth and leaders and includes use of the amphitheater. The amphitheater, when reserved separately, accommodates up to 350 people. All these areas are available by reservation for organized youth and/or adult groups, except the amphitheater, which can also be reserved for other non-day camp activities.
The Memorial Park amphitheater is available by reservation for special events. With its seating capacity of 350 and a stage, it is suitable for weddings and interpretive and naturalist presentations.
Three different family campgrounds, Azalea Flat, and Sequoia Flat, with 158 sites total, are available by reservation for overnight camping.
The above areas are booked for the entire day. Fees are charged for using these areas. Payment in full, by credit card, is requested at the time that you make the reservation. Vehicle entry fees are charged at the gatehouse.
To reserve a picnic site or a group or family camp site at Memorial Park please visit our on line reservations system or call the San Mateo County Parks Department reservations desk at (650) 363-4021. Reservations for day camp sites or the amphitheater must be made by phoning the reservations desk.
Volunteers Program
If you are an individual or an organization interested in getting involved in volunteering, please contact Memorial Park or the San Mateo County Parks Volunteer Program.
Regulations
To preserve the natural environment of Memorial Park, all plants, animals and natural features are protected.
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Picking or removing wildflowers or other natural material is prohibited.
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Fires are permitted in park barbecue pits only - no ground fires.
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Cutting and gathering of wood is prohibited.
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Dogs and other pets are not allowed.
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Youth (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult when camping.
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Horses are not allowed in Memorial Park.
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Motor vehicles and bicycles are permitted only on paved roadways and in established parking areas.
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Firearms and other weapons are prohibited.
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Loud radios and the playing of amplified musical instruments are not permitted.
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Park opens at 8:00 A.M. and closes at the preset time prior to sunset (applies to day-use only).
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Beer and wine only are allowed, no hard liquor.
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No Smoking.
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Feeding of wildlife is prohibited.
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Leaving designated trails is prohibited.
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Fishing and hunting are not permitted per California State Fish and Game Regulations.