| ROUTE |
|
Overview of the trail showing the route to Oak Flat (3.8 miles) and turnoff to Sierra Peak (6.24 miles).
Oak Flat: N33° 49'.70, W117° 38.21', elevation: 2700'
Sierra Peak: N33° 51.02', W117° 39.19', elevation: 2984' |
 |
Overview of part of the trail from Oak Flat going to Pleasants Peak, showing location of:
Beeks Place: 33° 49'14.01 N, 117° 38'19.57 W
Doppler Radar Tower: 33°49'03.49 N, 117° 38'09.15 W
|
 |
Balance of trail to Pleasants Peak, showing location of Antennas 1 and Antennas 2. |
| START OF SKYLINE DRIVE |
 |
Park car in area known as "The Rocks". Local Fire Departments frequently use area for training.
The trail to Sierra Peak or Pleasnats Peak starts here. |
|
| VIEW DURING CLIMB |
 |
Part way along the trail (2.8 miles) I could see the US Weather Service radar facility, abandoned Radio Station and the Antennas at Sierra Peak.
|
| OAK FIELD |
 |
Road to right, leads past remains of old radio station then continues to the antennas at SIERRA PEAK.
Black Star Canyon Rd leads to BEEK'S PLACE and further on to PLEASANTS PEAK. |
| TO SIERRA PEAK - 12.75 miles RT total |
 |
Along the way there is an abandoned building which was a private HAM Radio station.
|
 |
Located the former owner. a Doctor Raney. now in his late 70's and working in Riverside while residing in Fullerton. |
 |
 |
About a half mile before Sierra Peak I noticed a large circular structure to the right a short distance off the road. It appears to be part of a water collection system to prevent runoff water from the Helipad which is located just above, from eroding and undermining the area. |
 |
 |
Towers at Sierra Peak. Link to add'l information.
|
 |
Plants, Flowers & Bunnies observed along the way to Sierra Peak 4/9/2007 |
| TO PLEASANTS PEAK - 16.5 miles RT total |
 |
 |
Two wind driven propellers were mounted on this structure for generating electricity.There is a 1941 date in the cement base of tower. Initals J.A.B. might stand for Joseph A. Beek
N33° 49.224', W117° 38.317', elevation: 2820' |
 |
 |
BEEKS PLACE
These ruins are what's left of a weekend getaway place of Joseph A. Beek. The main cabin was built during the 30's, and the smaller one shortly thereafter. They were one room each. The smaller one was built for a caretaker. Although the family only used it on weekends, sometimes a caretaker would live there for up to a few months at a time
http://home.earthlink.net/~nordstromlandscapes/id20.html
|
 |
 |
Mr. Beek played a crucial role in the development of Balboa Island, and spent a lifetime devoted to it.
In 1919, he got the first contract for a ferry between the Island and Balboa Pennisula.
That franchise has continued until this day, with three 64 ft. boats that can carry three cars.
He later served as Secretary of the California State Senate until his death in 1968.
|
 |
 |
US Weather Service radar facility.
N33° 471.905', W117° 37.401', elevation: 3893' |
 |
 |
Pleasants Peak in the distance. |
 |
 |
West Pleasants Peak Electronics Site.
Access to tower area restricted. Sign indicates alarm systems installed.
Link to add'l information.
|
 |