Lower Doane Valley and French Valley Hike Guide

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Here’s George Edwin Doane (1851-1929) in his namesake valley, around 1904.

We’ll do the loop in a clockwise direction around Lower Doane Valley, with the first stop being the historic weir. Then we’ll head into French Valley and see the hidden pool. On the way back, we’ll skirt the other side of the meadow to the start.

On the second half of the hike you’ll see evidence of the massive 2007 Poomacha Fire, which destroyed 65% of the park. It was started when a vehicle fire spread into the surrounding vegetation.

The very beginning and end of the hike are on the Doane Valley Nature Trail, which has interpretive displays along the way. You can download the PDF to follow along here .

There are unofficial trails in the meadow area of the hike. Stay on the official trail (as described here) and respect the restoration.

Look for the Doane Pond Day Use Area turnoff.

No caption provided.

We’ll do the loop in a clockwise direction around Lower Doane Valley, with the first stop being the historic weir. Then we’ll head into French Valley and see the hidden pool. On the way back, we’ll skirt the other side of the meadow to the start.

On the second half of the hike you’ll see evidence of the massive 2007 Poomacha Fire, which destroyed 65% of the park. It was started when a vehicle fire spread into the surrounding vegetation.

The very beginning and end of the hike are on the Doane Valley Nature Trail, which has interpretive displays along the way. You can download the PDF to follow along here .

There are unofficial trails in the meadow area of the hike. Stay on the official trail (as described here) and respect the restoration.

Look for the Doane Pond Day Use Area turnoff.

No caption provided.

No caption provided.