Feeling adventurous? Want to get away from the heat? This hike is a little different. We'll take the usual trail from park HQ to Big Rock Hole (about 3 miles, with a moderate hill), and stop for lunch. After lunch, though... we'll loop back along the river. Right up the middle of the river, conditions permitting. After about a mile of river (or a mile and a half, if we keep up a good pace), we'll turn aside and take a dry trail back. Figure about 7 miles total. The river route has mixed conditions: from slippery rocks in swiftly-flowing ankle-deep water to sandy-bottomed deep pools with gentle current. While it's possible to bypass the really deep areas (by climbing out and walking along the bank), the easiest way to get through these is to swim. Come prepared! This hike is much easier if you just plan on getting thoroughly wet. Bring: lunch, water, suitable hiking/wading attire (swimsuit + sunscreen?), amphibious footwear (Tevas, river-walking shoes, or just old sneakers with good tread), and a sense of adventure. Don't bring: anything that shouldn't get wet (unless protected with, e.g., a Ziploc bag). Meet at carpool point #2.
Directions to LPSS carpool point #2 (Los Gatos Public Parking Lot): Exit 17 onto Saratoga Ave (Highway 9) west in Los Gatos. Go past first light (University), then take the first right into the free public parking lot. Meet near the Saratoga Ave end of the lot.