Islay Creek Trail

The Islay Creek Trail is located within 8,000-acre Montaña De Oro State Park, one of the largest state parks in California. Its name means "Mountain of Gold," a reference to the golden wildflowers that bloom here in the spring. The terrain varies from rugged cliffs, canyons, and streams to coastal plains and secluded sandy beaches. The highest point is Valencia Peak at an elevation of 1,347 feet.

The 2.5-mile Islay Creek Trail takes hikers through a wooded section of the park. It runs parallel to Islay Creek, following an old ranch road up the north side of Islay Canyon. Along the way, it passes by a waterfall and leads to an abandoned old barn in the canyon's mountainous interior. Because the trail is wide and relatively level, it can be traversed via mountain bike as well as on foot.

Islay Creek Trail stretches through four different habitats: conifer forest, riparian, chaparral and coastal scrub. Wildlife to look for along the way includes black tailed deer and the black oystercatcher. Some 25 to 40 bird species make their home here, from seed eaters to insectivores and raptors. In fact, birding tours are conducted along the trail, departing from the Visitor's Center. Hikers are cautioned to beware of the poison oak, which is indigenous to this area.