Walk them any weekend
Self-guided hikes
The pack provides the route — you choose the time. These count toward the Pack 345 50-mile hiking award.
All seven work for any age, kindergarten through 5th grade, and are easy to reach in or around San Francisco. Most are dog-friendly.
Log your miles
Fill in the hike reporting form with your scout’s name, the hike and the number of miles, and we’ll record it in Scoutbook — it counts toward the 50-mile hiking stick.
Bring the Essential Six and wear a Class A or Class B uniform.
North Beach & the waterfront
From the southwest corner of Washington Square at Union and Columbus: up Filbert to Grant, north to the hidden path at Pfeiffer up to Jack Early Park, a small lookout with bay views. Down to Beach, across the Embarcadero, out to the end of Pier 39 for the sea lions, west past the tour boats to the Fisherman's & Seamen's Memorial Chapel, along the plank dock, out to Muni Pier, and home via Beach, Columbus and Powell.
Comes with a 25-point scavenger hunt — how fast can a sea lion swim, what's the number on the hydrant at Stockton & Bay, when was Jack Early Park founded. Ask us for the question sheet.
The Presidio — choose your loop
Pick one of the Presidio's marked trails and walk it — the Ecology Trail, the Batteries to Bluffs Trail and the Presidio Promenade are all good with kids. Save a map to your phone before you go; signal is patchy in the forest.
Mount Sutro to Twin Peaks
Close to home, with views of most of the city in every direction. The loop takes two to three hours and works at any age. Dog-friendly on leash, and busy on a nice weekend.
The Geocaching Series
Hap Velleno of Troop 3 planted twelve geocaches around San Francisco, one for each point of the Scout Law. These three routes visit two or three apiece. Download the Geocaching app before you set off.
San Bruno Mountain
Sweeping views of Colma, Daly City and San Francisco — and on a clear day much of the East Bay. Part I is easy: a wide gravel road on a gentle grade from the Crocker Gate trailhead (free parking on Crocker Ave near S Hill Blvd), left onto Saddle Loop Trail and around the perimeter to the picnic area. Part II is harder: single-track switchbacks up Summit Loop Trail to the transmitter buildings at the top, a good windbreak for a rest. Stay left at every fork coming down. Both parts take 3½–4 hours including lunch.
Very windy, but pack extra water on a hot day — there's almost no shade. Wear shoes with real tread for Part II.
Got a route we should add?
Send it to info@pack345sf.org. Happy trails.