THE HIKE: The evergreens and redwoods in Huddart County Park on the Peninsula provide a canopy for black-tailed deer, banana slugs, woodpeckers, and you. There are tons of trails, so grab a map and chart your own course—or follow our suggestion and try the little-used loop along McGarvey Gulch Creek. At the wide-open McGarvey Flat resting spot, there's a sweet sitting log and a picnic table right next to the rushing creek, just the place for a gorp-and-gape break. About 1 mile south of the Mountain House (see below), park on the west side of Hwy. 35 (which fits about ten cars); the trail is across the road. Walk left on Summit Springs Fire Road and continue until you get to Crystal Springs Trail and turn right (you've gone too far if you hit Richards Road Trail). Turn right again on Dean Trail. This takes you to McGarvey Flat. Cross the bridge and turn right on Chinquapin. This is about a mile-long stretch that follows the creek. Turn right on Skyline Trail to return to your car.
THE FIRE: Set in a redwood grove a mile north of Huddart Park, Woodside's Mountain House has a Paul Bunyan and plaid-shirt feel. The place looks like a barn from the outside; inside, the atmosphere is friendly and intimate. It's the perfect post-hike pit stop to call for a pint of Full Boar Scotch Ale and maybe a burger or fresh fish special from the bar menu, all while sitting by the cozy fire. Rusticating never felt so warm or tasted so good.
The Mountain House, 13808 Skyline Blvd., Woodside; 650-851-8541. Note: The bar and restaurant don't open until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The bar opens at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.