Coastal view from Deane Dana Friendship Park
Text and photography copyright 2010 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.
Deane Dana Friendship Park
- Location: San Pedro, at 1805 W. 9th St. on the corner of Western. From I-110, take Gaffey Street south and go right Summerland for a mile. Take a left on Western, and after a mile, go right on 9th St. and take the first left into the park. Drive up the hill and park in the lot on the right.
- Agency: Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 150 feet
- Difficulty Rating: G
- Suggested time: 45 minutes
- Best season: All year
- USGS topo maps: San Pedro, Torrance
- More information: here
- Rating: 3
I can thank Mapquest for this hike. I was looking up directions and saw this park the map, and had never heard of it, but it appeared large enough (123 acres) that it may be worth looking into further. Sure enough, Deane Dana Friendship Park contains a few nice hiking trails, which give great views of the ocean and Catalina, and on clear days, the San Gabriels and L.A.
There is no one set route that one has to take to experience this park, but the one described here pretty much covers all of the bases. From the lot, cross the street and pick up a trail that curves up to a four-way junction. The right fork leads to an alternate access point; the straight route is your return trail. Head to the left, and curve to the right on a fire road that gives nice views of the ocean to the south. This trail climbs gently for about half a mile before meeting another route. Merge left and head toward the park’s western boundary, where you will see a few houses. Take a left and head south to the ocean. After about o.2 miles, you will reach a small, teardrop-shaped loop. On the far side is a log which provides a nice seat to enjoy the ocean views before you.
Retracing your steps, head right at the junction, back into the park. This time, you can stay left at the fork and follow a path which arrives at a vista point, where you get a nice view of the Vincent Thomas suspension bridge, Long Beach, Signal Hill and on clear days, a lot farther. An ADA-accessible trail leads off to the left; you can get back to the trailhead more quickly by heading straight down an obscure trail that becomes a steep fire-road. (The nature center and parking lot are visible by this point). You arrive at the junction and walk the last few yards back to your car.
