Adventure 005, Hike 019 - Tom MacMicheal Trail

Gary and Steven on Father's Day outing

Capture California, the Game-2013

Adventure: 005, Hike 019 - Tom MacMicheal Trail

Team: YOLT

Date:  June 16, 2013

Location: Woodward Park, Fresno

Hike Info:

Trail: Tom MacMicheal Trail

Distance: 2.90 miles

Duration: 0:55 Moving

Elevation Rise: 178'

Description:
We are doing this hike after church and before our Father's Day lunch/dinner. So we get started around 11:30. Even so, it is in the mid-80's when we start in. Last year, we pointed out that during the summer, mornings or evenings are the only sane time to do this trail-not mid-day like this. Fortunately, there is much reward in doing this trail. While short, you get to walk through the flood plain of the San Joaquin River, as well as seeing a great view of the area from its bluffs.

One of the improvements from last year is the new signs explaining both the area and the human history of it. It told about the development of the land and the conflicts between the farmers and the cattle ranchers. A farmer by the name of Moses Church brought in irrigation and farmed the area we were walking. The cattle ranchers were not able to graze their cattle. Church had a couple of unsuccessful assassination attempts on him. Sort of reminded me of the play Oklahoma where the Farmer and the Cowman should be friends, ….

Wading in the San Joaquin River

The trail starts in the Northwest portion of Woodward Park. In 1968, Ralph Woodward bequeathed the land for a regional park and bird sanctuary. Since that time, it has grown into its role as a means for people to be outdoors—from a large amphitheater where Shakespeare plays are produced for free to a place to watch birds to BMX courses. It is along the BMX course where the first part of the trail follows. It is nicely separated, allowing for good watching to the bikes. Before descending into the San Joaquin River flood plain, you get this good view of the plain and where we will be walking.

The trail starts the upper part of its lollipop loop. It heads towards the river, which is very accessible. Majestic oaks grow beside it. All along the trail wildlife emerge at dusk. From rabbits to mice to ground hogs to swallows to great egrets. This is a wonderful time to walk this trail.

Red-Tail Hawk

Even more so than last year, a new area of the San Joaquin River bottom has opened up, given us another mile or so to hike. This area is still being returned back to its natural status. But you do get to enjoy a bit more of animals of the area. We see a either a great or cattle egret, a red-tailed hawk , numerous other birds. Plus there are the ground squirrels scurrying around, some pocket gophers, along with a dead harvest mouse. Signs indicate that a mother coyote is tending her young, so do not go trampling too near some of the places. It is amazing what you see with your eyes open.

See Falcon's book, Best Easy Day hikes: Fresno by Tracy Salcedo-Chourre, on page 10