Mills Creek Ranch Road in Burleigh Murray State Park.

1 mile. One way. Easy.
Take Highway One south of Half Moon Bay for about 1 mile. Turn left (east) on Higgins Purisima Road. Notice the historic James Johnston House on your right. Continue for 1.6 miles to the marked parking on the left side of the road.

Information: Half Moon Bay State Beach, (650) 726-8819

To step into the Coastside's agricultural past, visit tranquil Burleigh Murray State Park. At the end of Mills Creek Ranch Road is a barn like none you have ever seen before. Built into the side of a hill, the long, two-story dairy barn curves along the slope on a stone foundation. This century-old barn, which combines English and Italian architectural features, may be the only one of its kind in California. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is currently undergoing restoration.

Past the barn, Mills Creek Ranch Road dwindles into a verdant creekside trail, which continues for about one mile.

Mills Creek, which flows year-round, is lines with red alder, flowering currant and twinberry. The ancient pillar-like blue gum eucalyptus trees are especially impressive.