The Thunder Spring Trail Loop is one of the quieter hikes in Palomar Mountain State Park; it's a great hike to get away from it all. The scenery is lush, with lots of pines, cedars, and in the spring, wildflowers. You have a climb that will get your heart rate up, but is not too tough. And along the way, you visit a historic homesteader's cabin site. Overall it's a nice trail and a good time.
In this Guide:
Video and Turn-by-Turn Directions for the Thunder Spring Trail Hike
The Thunder Spring Trail hike is located in Palomar Mountain SP. Drive into the park and follow the signs for Doane Pond. There's also a (private) retreat by the pond that might be more GPS-friendly. Use this trailhead address: Camp Palomar, 34798 Doane Valley Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
There is an entry fee to enter Palomar Mountain State Park.
Gear For the Hike
The main challenge on this hike can be poison oak and nettles. Wearing long pants solves the problem, just make sure you don't touch your pants if you go through a patch. And there can be gnats, so bring insect repellant. Otherwise this is a straightforward backcountry hike with lots of shade. I bring 1L of water.
Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.
Garmin InReach Mini 2Hit SOS or just tell loved ones that you're running late where your cell phone has no service. Review here.
Topo MTN RacerAggressive and fun with a wide toe box (=no blisters). Get them wet, they dry quickly. Lots of cushion and comfort.
Osprey Hikelite 26Lightweight, carries all your gear, and your back doesn't get sweaty. Oh yea, it's also one of the most inexpensive packs you can get.
The land on the other side of the fence belongs to a cattle ranch, something you wouldn't expect up on Palomar Mountain. If you drive to the observatory you can see the pastures alongside the road. There has been cattle ranching here since 1860, when the Mendenhall family started bringing cows up to the mountain during the summer (and back down into the valley during the winter). The Mendenhall'ls are still owners of the ranch.
Who was Scott? Most likely it was B. F. Scott, who according to a 1900 census, owned the land here. According to Robert Haley Asher (1868-1953), who lived in the area from 1903-1946, an "ancient log cabin" stood around this area and was often occupied by transients and visitors. I like to think it belonged to Andreas & Elvira Scott, Native Americans who were listed in an 1880 census of the area. If you know anything more, please contact me and give me the scoop.