Banana Slog Canyon

Named for its resident Banana slugs and required bushwhacking for approach and exit, Banana Slog Canyon is a fun little creek in Castle Rock State Park. A good canyon in the area to practice ghosting techniques. This creek had a pleasant, splashy flow in May 2023 after one of the wettest winters on record in the Bay Area. The “high” flow made it a canyon worth doing - in normal years, we would expect flow to be trickling at best.

Park on the side of Highway 35 by the Los Altos Rod & Gun Club Range. Hike down the Service Road Trail (or Loghry Woods Trail if you want a scenery change), towards Castle Rock Trail Camp until you reach Frog Flat Camp. From this point on there are no more trails. Look for a break in the thick vegetation and follow the direction of the creek. We found a spot that was not too bad just past campsite 5. Bushwhack down a steep hill and then a gully until you meet the creek. I’d recommend sticking close to the GPS track because the other gullies look a lot steeper.

After reaching the creek, there is a spot with a small pool and some rocks to suit up if need be. R1: 40ft drop, good tree about 15ft back. A fairly lengthy and steep creek walk separates the first rap from the lower technical section. Lower technical section (R2-R5): There are many anchor options for these lower raps and you may not have an escape route until R4. At some point you get to a little slide. Be careful in stronger flows because R2 is right after this slide. R2: 20ft slanted drop after a section of exposed rock. R3: 25ft vertical drop immediately after R2. R4: The main falls. 60ft. 150ft rope double stranded around the larger tree RDC was barely enough. There are some other options of anchors too. R5: Optional 15ft rap just after the big one.