Supporting Portola Redwoods and Castle Rock State Parks
Interpretive programs. Trail improvements. Visitor enhancements.
Castle Rock and Portola Redwoods State Parks offer stunning hiking trails, world-class rock climbing, and awe-inspiring redwood forests—just to name a few of their many attractions. The Portola and Castle Rock Foundation is dedicated to preserving and enhancing these Bay Area treasures. Discover what we’ve accomplished, what we’re working on now, and the many ways you can get involved and support our mission.
Upcoming Events
- 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.
Bring: lunch, water, sturdy shoes, and weather‑appropriate work clothes.
All ages welcome (minors must be with a supervising adult).
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.
SOLD OUT
Date: August 15, 2026
Location: Kirkwood Entrance, Castle Rock State Park
Join us on August 15, 2026, for our annual Perseids-watching party! Far from city lights, each meteor sparkles brilliantly as it flashes by. We’ll have an astronomy presentation and telescopes under the clear Castle Rock skies. Hosted by the Portola and Castle Rock Foundation and California State Parks, this special event is always memorable.
Registration:
- Registration is required for this event, due to limited parking. One car per ticket (but you can bring as many people as will fit in one car). No RVs or campers allowed.
- Member registration opens mid-July (become a member now so you don’t miss this wonderful event!)
- General registration opens late July
- Parking will be $10 (payable on-site) but free for Portola and Castle Rock Foundation members
- If there is bad weather, the event will be cancelled
What to bring:
- Dress in layers as it may be chilly, and bring a blanket
- Bring a red headlamp or a red flashlight (this will make it easier to see the stars)
- Bring a cusionor pillow so you can lie down and look up at the sky, or bring a camp chair which allows you to comfortably look up
- There will be bathrooms, but no food — bring your own water or snacks. We highly recommend bringing a thermos of warm beverages to enjoy!
- This is an alcohol- and smoke-free event.
- Remember to leave no trace — take all trash back with you!
Celebrating Our Members, Donors & Volunteers
Castle Rock State Park — Main Kirkwood Entrance
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, several of our nonprofit partners will be joining us to help celebrate the incredible community that supports Castle Rock and Portola Redwoods State Parks.
🎉 Event Highlights
- Guided hike through Castle Rock
- Nature talk with park experts
- Lunch provided for all invitees
📍 Event Details
Cost: Free Parking: $10
Weather: Bad weather will cancel
We’ll be sharing more details in August — but for now, please save the date. 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.
Become a Member
Our members play a crucial role in supporting our work to make Castle Rock and Portola Redwoods parks safer, more accessible, and improve their educational resources. Together, we can ensure that the natural beauty, rich biological diversity, and recreational and educational opportunities of these state parks are available for all to enjoy now and for generations to come.
