SHORT HIKE SEPTEMBER 13, 2008
LAKE MERCED - FORT FUNSTON (SAN FRANCISCO)
LEADERS: MARJA R. AND QUINTIN MCMAHON
Lake Merced is located in the southwest corner of the city. It is a
freshwater lake adjacent to the Olympic Club and Harding Park Golf
Courses as well as residential ares, Lowell High School, San Francisco
State University and Fort Funston. (The SF Zoo is also nearby.) Our
hike will begin at a lakefront parking lot just south of the
Brotherhood Way - Lake Merced B'llvd intersection. We will cross the
lake over a viaduct to the west side and proceed north to the John Muir
Gate to Fort Funston. We will then hike within Fort Funston to the
hang glider viewing area and may enjoy seeing some aerial acrobatics.
We then return to the lakeside and continue around the lake on an
asphalt pathway. There are a couple of notes of interest about the
lake. The lake area was part of the Merced Rancho, the first land
grant in San Francisco occurring in 1835. And it was the site of the
last legal duel in California, September 13, ( a coincidence) 1859.
This is a short hike of 6+/- miles. We will not be stopping for lunch.
We may have time for a snack at Harding Park but that's it . Dress in
layers as it may be chilly especially at Fort Funston. Expect to be
finished by 12 to 12:30 pm.
Directions: Meet as usual at the old library parking lot. car poll and
"chip in as you wish". Take Hwy 24 to 580 across the Bay Bridge. Take
101 south to 280. Take 280 south to the Mission Street off ramp (just
past the Ocean Ave/Geneva Ave off ramp). Turn right at Sagamore Ave (a
Chevron Station is at the intersection) and continue to Brotherhood
Way, a 45 degree right turn to its end. Turn left onto Lake Merced
B'lvd about 200 yards to the lakeside parking lot.