For one weekend every spring, Henry Coe State Park opens its back door (a.k.a. the Bell's Station entrance) and allows visitors to explore the eastern half of the park, an area normally accessible only to backpackers with ample vacation time. During the weekend, the Pine Ridge Association (the park's official volunteer organization) offers folks a bundle of backcountry goodies, including free shuttle service (to minimize vehicle impact), guided hikes, painting/photography walks, campfire shows, and more.

This year, M and I decided to enter the lottery for a one-night camping pass. We applied in February and received word in late March (via snail mail) that we had gotten a spot. While it was quaint (and exciting) to find that self-addressed stamped envelope in the mailbox, I'm looking forward to a time when the whole process can happen online.

Anyway, last Saturday, we packed Kangaru (our new blue Subaru Outback) and were on the road by 9:30 AM. It took us roughly thirty minutes along 101 South and 152 East to reach Bell's Station, which is about seven miles northeast of the 152/156 interchange (or five miles past Casa de Fruta, the fruit stand-cum-town). It took us another thirty minutes along the Kaiser-Aetna Road to reach our spot at Pacheco Creek Crossing. The road was so dusty, Kangaru was completely tan by the time we arrived at camp.

There were at least a dozen cars already parked along the road when we arrived, and while I would have preferred a quieter place to camp, we chose to stick with the crowd since we're still newbies when it comes to camping.

After reserving a sunny spot, a suitable distance from our more seasoned camping neighbors, with our stately white-and-blue-checkered camp chairs from Target, we set out for a few hours of hiking.

While M visited Will's Pond, I hiked to Pacheco Falls via the Pacheco Ridge Road and volunteer trail. According to the handout, this "shorter but rougher way" to the falls was 5.4 miles long and had 1,540 feet of climbing. For the curious, the longer, "easier" way was 12.7 miles long, with a gain of 2,680 feet, which sounds longer, but not necessarily easier than the way I chose.

The first mile was the toughest part. After two creek crossings, the dirt road/trail climbed steeply to the Pacheco Ridge, which offered a nice view of Walsh Peak.

I followed the relatively level ridge line for more than a mile before coming upon a pile of rocks topped with a fluorescent pink flag, which indicated the beginning of the volunteer trail (I assumed). For the next quarter-mile, I scrambled down the steep grassy slope, following the fluorescent flags, hoping they didn't lead me astray.

When I reached the falls, I met the folks on the 10 AM guided Pacheco Falls hike. There were three of them -- the guide, the assistant guide, and their sole charge. All were nice fellows and since I wasn't in a hurry, I joined them on the rocky outcropping overlooking the falls. The most prominent feature of the falls was the black cliff above it.

The falls were dry. Looking down, all I could see were a few remnant pools of water. It looked nothing like the first photo on this page.

I joined the group for the return hike. On our way back, we made a quick detour to Hole in the Rock, one of the coolest spots in all of Coe.

When I got back to camp, M was already there. We relaxed for the rest of the afternoon, moving our chairs to keep them out of the shade. We cooked dinner using my new backpacking stove. I figured it was best to get the hang of it in a low-key setting.

As the sun set, the wind picked up and the temperature dipped. We packed away the chairs and prepped Kangaru for the night. With the rear seats folded down, the back of the car was big enough for the two of us to sleep comfortably -- legs outstretched, elbows unimpeded. I slid the moon roof panel open so we could watch the stars until we drifted off.

Considering I was actually able to fall asleep for more than four hours straight (a record for a first night of any camping/backpacking trip), I'd say camping in the Outback was a good idea. I awoke (just before seven) with a stiff back, but I chalk that up to being prone for a solid eight hours.

While M slept a little longer, I took a morning stroll to Tie Down Peak. I went north on the Kaiser-Aetna Road for 2.5 miles until I reached Tie Down Trail. The road had a few steep stretches, but was fine otherwise. Along the way, two volunteer-driven shuttles stopped to ask me if I needed a ride to Orestimba Corral, which was kind of them.

I was glad to leave the dusty road and follow the single-track trail into the greenery of the trees and hills. It was beautiful and so serene.

The reward for a bit of strenuous climbing was a spectacular view of the surrounding wilderness.

I followed the ridge until I reached Tie Down Peak. I was tempted to climb to the top, but since I didn't want to take the chance of injuring my ankle again, I decided to save the scramble for another day. I followed the fluorescent flags around the peak, down the North Fork Trail, and back to the car.

At camp, M had Kangaru packed and ready to go. I wanted to stay longer, but we needed to be in Napa that afternoon. Our early departure only made me more eager for next year's backcountry weekend. If we're lucky enough to get a spot, I plan to stay two nights and find a quieter place further down the road to camp.

You can read more about the backcountry weekend on Coe's site. You should also read Calipidder's outstanding account of her backcountry backpacking trip. Finally, you can see a few more photos from our trip on Flickr.