Skywalker Ranch 
Samuel P. Taylor Park
Marin County

 

** NOTE**: as of November 3, 2003, I am sorry to report that these boxes have all gone missing. I'm not sure if it was the work of critters or rangers, but either way I will not be replanted them at this park. However, I probably will re-do the series and plant them somewheres else in the vicinity of Skywalker Ranch in Marin. Please check back in the future about their status.

 

This letterbox series is not *actually* located within the grounds of George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch, since that is private property guarded carefully by barbed wire, security droids and llamas. But this state park is about 5 miles as the crow flies from the actual ranch. This area is very lush and spectacular and may have been the inspiration for the forest moon of Endor, from Return of the Jedi. I'm fairly certain I spotted a few Ewoks peeking at me from behind some of the redwoods while I was on my hike.

May the Force be with you!

planted by PrincessLea on February 26, 2003

terrain - medium difficulty - somewhat rough dirt/ mud path with some uphill climbs (you might try and "borrow" one of those speeder bikes from a negligent stormtrooper if you see one)

rountrip distance - 2.2 miles (trail is a loop)

Directions: 101 freeway exit Sir Francis Drake Blvd. - proceed west 15 miles. Inside the park, take the first left to the Visitor Center. There is a day fee of $4.00. The Pioneer Tree Trail head is behind the Redwood Grove Picnic Area. Take the trail on the right, along the creek.

 

Box #1 - Sardonic Senator

I have placed information vital to the survival of the rebellion in the fallen giant 40 paces back from the first bridge. Help me Obi Wan Letterboxer, you're my only hope.

 

Box #2 - Dagobah Denizen

Search for me you must in the small grove of redwoods opposite marker #4. See you the "Anakin" and Luke" trees 15 steps down the slope. Find me you will by Young Skywalker's feet.

 

Box #3 - Adorable Astromech

Go past Pioneer Tree (marker #7) and around the hairpin turn. You will walk a ways until there is an unmarked trail on the right. Take the short walk up the hill to a vantage point - there is a large rock and you will see the creek far below. With your back turned to the rock, you will see a fallen tree. If you are on the main trail and see a little wooden bridge below the path, you have gone too far.

 

If you are a hardcore Star Wars fan want to make a pilgrimage to the real Skywalker Ranch and gaze at their entrance gate, you can get there by taking a left on Nicasio Valley Road off of Sir Francis Drake on your way back. After about 4 miles, there will be a turn off to the right for Lucas Valley Road (no, it's not named for George Lucas). The gate is about 2 1/2 miles from Nicasio. For the address, and a view of what it looks like beyond the gate, check out the virtual tour at:

 

http://groovycafe.freeservers.com/skywalker/

 

Before you set out read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer .

 

Box Status Reports

Date

Report

11 Oct 2003

Mark and Sue report that they were not able to find any of these boxes - all 3 may be missing! I will try to get out to Marin sometime in the next month to check on them.

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