Upcoming Events
Castle Rock State Park — Main Kirkwood Entrance, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
We’re excited to invite you to the Portola and Castle Rock Foundation’s Annual Appreciation Event — a special day dedicated to thanking the members, donors, and volunteers who make our work possible.
This year, Sempervirens, Bay Area Climbers Coalition and California Native Plant Society will be joining us to help celebrate the incredible community that supports Castle Rock and Portola Redwoods State Parks.
Event Highlights
- Lunch from The Waffle Roost food truck will be provided for all invitees and available for purchase for the general public
- 2Legit: fried chicken + waffle
- The Stack: waffle sandwich w/ fried chicken, bacon, & egg
- Spicy & I Know It: split waffle sandwich stuffed w/ fried chicken, crispy melted cheddar, & serrano peppers
- The ECP (vegetarian): split waffle sandwich with egg, cheese, & peppers
- Sweet Waffles:
- Churro
- Caramel & Salt
- Chocolate & Almond
- Live music by David Anthony
- Community nonprofit organizations Sempervirens, Bay Area Climbers Coalition and California Native Plant Society will be on hand to share their mission with visitors
- Raffle — winners every 20-30 minutes
- PCRF PopUp store with merchandise for sale — all proceeds are reinvested in Castle Rock and Portola Redwoods State Parks
- Guided hike through Castle Rock (2 pm)
- Amphitheater Talks (11:30-1:30 pm)
- 11:30 am Miles Standish, former Castle Rock Ranger and PCRF board member: stories about his time at Castle Rock
- 12:00 pm Sempervirens: history of Castle Rock
- 12:30 pm Bay Area Climbers Coalition: their work, and their new “don’t climb alone” initiative and more
Event Details
Cost: Free Parking: $10
Weather: Bad weather will cancel
We truly hope you’ll join us for this uplifting day in the park.
Thank you for everything you do to support our mission. Your dedication keeps these parks thriving.
Meeting point: Details will be announced in October 2026.
Meeting time: Details will be announced in October 2026.
Join us for a guided hike in Castle Rock or Portola Redwoods park, led by an experienced guide who will point out local plants, wildlife, and key features along the trail. The hike is suitable for a range of skill levels and offers a relaxed way to explore the parks while learning more about their diverse features. Bring comfortable shoes, a jacket, water, and curiosity for an enjoyable and educational time on the trail.
Meeting point: Details will be announced in December 2026.
Meeting time: Details will be announced in December 2026.
Join us for a guided hike in Castle Rock or Portola Redwoods park, led by an experienced guide who will point out local plants, wildlife, and key features along the trail. The hike is suitable for a range of skill levels and offers a relaxed way to explore the parks while learning more about their diverse features. Bring comfortable shoes, a jacket, water, and curiosity for an enjoyable and educational time on the trail.
In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.
Past Events
A great turnout this year for the Perseid meteor storm. The parking lot was almost full, and the asphalt area where we staged the event was completely packed.
After sunset, we had a talk by an amateur astronomer, and as the sky darkened, everyone lay down or sat down, and looked up.
For the first two hours, the shooting stars were sparse, but they picked up by midnight, after which there was one every few minutes. Some were spectacular!
Thanks to everyone who attended!


The milky way photo has a shooting star in the corner! This photo was taken (and shared) by attendee Mohammed Ishaq.
What: Castle Rock Native Plant Garden Workday
When: August 8th 2026, 9:00AM -1:00PM
Where: Castle Rock State Park, 15451 Skyline Blvd, Los Gatos
Join California State Parks and PCRF for a hands‑on volunteer day at Castle Rock State Park! We’ll be working in the native plant garden and may do some invasive plant removal nearby. Unchanged: Join California State Parks and PCRF for a hands‑on volunteer day at Castle Rock State Park! We’ll be working in the native plant garden and may do some invasive plant removal nearby.
Bring: lunch, water, sturdy shoes, and weather‑appropriate work clothes. Unchanged: Bring: lunch, water, sturdy shoes, and weather‑appropriate work clothes.
All ages welcome (minors must be with a supervising adult). Unchanged: All ages welcome (minors must be with a supervising adult).
Free event; parking is $10; Bad weather cancels Unchanged: Free event; parking is $10; Bad weather cancels
Sign up on Eventbrite — drop‑ins welcome!
Come help care for the park and enjoy a day outdoors with fellow volunteers. Unchanged: Come help care for the park and enjoy a day outdoors with fellow volunteers.
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