Thunder Spring to Upper Doane Valley Trail | Palomar Mountain, CA

Palomar State Park may take a long drive up a winding hill to reach, however the rare glimpse of lush forest, shimmering ponds, and grassy meadows filled with wildlife makes the journey to get there worth it. While most hiking trails in San Diego consists of sun-blasted boulders peaking out from a carpet of chaparral, or long, sandy beaches stretching into the distance, the trails at Palomar State Park offer a completely different change of scenery; an escape from the ordinary. Take a loop hike along the short Thunder Spring to Upper Doane Valley Trail to get a taste of the fresh forest air, a prime view of the serene Doane Valley pond, sled downhill in the winter, and spot a deer grazing in the expansive meadow.

The Thunder Spring and Upper Doane Valley Loop Trail is an extension of what could be a much longer hike within Palomar Mountain State Park. Instead of taking a much longer, comprehensive loop through the park, these shorter loops offer a more digestible way to take in the beauty of Palomar Mountain without having to trek for miles and miles.

The Thunder Spring trail branches off the Cedar Creek Trail, located at the south-end of the parking lot near the restrooms and Doane Pond. The Thunder Spring Trail travels along the western edge of Upper Doane Valley through a dense ravine of rare Pacific dogwoods and Western azaleas before reaching the fern-infested meadow known as Chimney Flat. The Thunder Spring Trail then intersects with the Upper Doane Valley Trail, looping around the meadow and eventually dropping you off at the nearby Christian church camp grounds.

At the Doane Pond parking lot, follow the Cedar Creek trail to Doane Pond and make a right over the wooden bridge to loop around the banks of the pond. In the winter, you may see children sledding down hills or frolicking in the snow nearby. Continue past the pond and the sledders (if hiking in late fall/winter) to enter a woodland of black oak, canyon live, oak, white fir, and incense cedar as you travel along the west bank of Doane Creek. The numerous black oaks are sprinkled with snow in the winter and provide a rare opportunity for viewing fall foliage during the early fall months when the leaves change to a gold hue.

To your left, Doane Creek will be quietly trickling providing even more serenity and escape from the hustle and bustle of San Diego. The trail will pass into and then out of the forest to enter a narrow meadow. In the distance to your left you may see other hikers in the distance traveling along the opposite side of the meadow, where you will soon be hiking. Soon you will reach Thunder Spring, a name that comes from the ridge below which the spring lies.

After crossing the spring, the trail continues past a patch of burnt forest scorched in the September 2012 fire. The fire, which was caused by a lightening strike—prevalent in this area, destroyed some smaller conifers, but left the taller trees unscathed. Past the burn zone you’ll reach a junction. Take the trail to the left to cross Doane Meadow and loop back around toward the parking lot. This will be the Upper Doane Valley Trail. Continue along the trail, taking in views of the broad meadow to your left.

On a quiet enough day you may be able to spot deer roaming the meadow or in the woods to your right. We spotted a large male deer lurking in the woods, although he quickly ran off the moment we tried to take a picture of him.

Continue along the right bank of the meadow until a school camp ground appears in the distance. Here you will see Doane Pond and the parking lot to your left. Pass through the camp ground and veer left to return back to your car.

Thunder Spring to Upper Doane Valley Tips

Tip #1: For a longer, more scenic hike, take the French Valley to Weir Trail. Trailhead is located near the campgrounds (just past site #25).

Tip #2: Cell phone coverage is non-existent in most parts of the park. The best coverage is located at the Boucher Summit (site of the fire tower and lookout) or the parking lot at the Silvercrest Picnic area.

Tip #3: Bring cash or check. Parking is $8 (at the time of this post). The park doesn’t take credit cards, and the nearest ATM is 4 miles away.

Tip #4: In summer, gnats can be problematic depending on the time of day. Bring bug repellent when the weather is warm.

Tip #5: Poison oak is scattered along the trails. Learn how to recognize it and how to treat it if you are exposed.

Tip #6: Bring water. There are no water fountains along the trail or water stations near the parking lot.

Tip #7: Have plenty of gas in your tank. There are no gas stations on Palomar Mountain.

Tip #8: Check the weather forecast before heading out. The weather in Palomar Mountain is much different than San Diego or Los Angeles.