Bethany Browning

Info

Recent Activity

• Bethany Browning submitted on Quarryhill Botanical Garden in Glen Ellen, CA.
  10 months ago

  

  One of Sonoma County's best-kept secrets, Quarryhill never fails to enchant. Set on 25 rolling acres punctuated by dark ponds, trickling waterfalls and a lotus blossom grotto, radiant pink blooms can grow to the size of basketballs, Quarryhill is dedicated to protecting and maintaining endangered flora rarely found outside of Asia. Encounter a tree that smells like cotton candy, and one with an unforgettable, swoon-worthy scent that only blooms in August. Climb the hill to the Tibetan prayer flags sculpture to see what Glen Ellen looks like from the top of the world. Adventure off the main marked trails to discover winding paths that lead you past small creeks with banks carpeted in deep green moss, hidden picnic tables and romantic hideaways.

  Like Add a Comment

• ---

• Bethany Browning submitted on Manchester Beach State Park in Manchester, CA.
  about 1 year ago

  

  Bundle up—it's bound to be blustery at Mendocino's Manchester State Park. If you're willing to brave the whipping winds and bone-deep chill, a hike along these five miles of isolated coast will pay off with views of one of California's few remaining wild beaches, heart-pounding sounds of crashing surf, and the possibility of seeing wildlife like tundra swans or the elusive, endangered Point Arena beaver. The gentle curve of the beach creates a catch basin for driftwood, giving the shoreline an eerie, graveyard feel. This means that plastic bottles, bags, and other refuse wash up here as well, so bring along a bag to pack up the litter. You'll not only feel good about a day in the ocean air, but you'll be helping to maintain a state beach during drastic budget cuts. Plus, the beach is home to the endangered (and adorable) snowy plover. Try to catch a glimpse of these tiny white birds as they shelter themselves from the wind in the tall grasses and deep sand divots along the beach.

  Like Add a Comment

• ---

• Bethany Browning submitted on Hendy Woods State Park in Philo, CA.
  about 1 year ago

  

  Far less touristy than its cousins to the south, Armstrong Woods and Muir Woods, beginning and experienced hikers will enjoy a slow-paced, meditative stroll through Hendy Woods State Park's impressive old-growth redwood forest. Park at the day-use parking lot, pick up the self-guided Discovery Trail map, and make your way on the Meadow Trail to the Back Loop or Upper Loop Trails that lead to Big Hendy Grove. You'll see Discovery Trail markers along the way—stop at each one to learn a bit more about the park and its ancient trees. Wide benches placed in memorial groves throughout the trails provide plenty of opportunities to rest and reflect, to breathe in the pristine air, and to delight in the hummingbirds, brown creepers, and acorn woodpeckers that make their homes in Hendy Woods.

  Like Add a Comment

• ---

• Bethany Browning submitted on Frolic Cove and Shipwreck in Mendocino, CA.
  about 1 year ago

  

  For hikers who seek off-the-beaten-track experiences, Mendocino's Frolic Cove and Shipwreck Trail fits the bill. The unmarked trailhead is at the dead end of Vega Road in a residential neighborhood. You might think you're on a private path, but you'll soon find an official sign and some thoughtfully placed pallets and boardwalks for crossing the muddy portions of the path that let you know you're on the right track. The trail winds to the edge of a bluff with gorgeous views of the ocean and a harrowing staircase that heads straight down. Carefully descend to an isolated, rocky cove where, in 1850, the clipper ship Frolic crashed, sending its cargo of housewares into the surf. No one died that day, but local looters helped themselves to a bounty of modern conveniences that washed up on the shore. When you've finished taking in the uncommonly dramatic views from the cove (and the waterfall that gushes here during the rainy season), head back up to the trail where dozens of curious ground squirrels will escort you along the bluff to the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse for a satisfying, two-mile round-trip hike.

  Like Add a Comment

• ---

• Bethany Browning submitted on Hood Mountain Regional Park in Santa Rosa, CA.
  about 1 year ago

  

  Flocks of friendly juncos, pollywog-filled ponds, and chattering chickadees are just a few of the charms that await you on your trek to the summit of Sonoma County's Hood Mountain. It's the highest point between Napa and Sonoma Valleys, and the woodsy trails to the top wind around ponds, cross meadows, and meander past a pygmy forest. Park at Pythian Road, follow the Lower Johnson trail to Orchard Meadow, and continue on to Upper Johnson for the best combination of well-maintained trails, native beauty and a solid workout. The final ascent to the summit is a calf-burner. The sights from here aren't showstopping, but it's a restful spot to refuel before continuing on to the postcard-worthy views at Gunsight Rock. Follow the twisting downhill trail through a manzanita tunnel and past looming rock formations. Clamber (carefully!) to the top of Gunsight Rock for sweeping vistas of the Sonoma Valley all the way to San Pablo Bay. You won't find a vantage point like this anywhere else.

  Like Add a Comment

• ---

• Bethany Browning joined Open Places.
  about 1 year ago

Following (0)