Nearby is the Palomar Observatory museum that houses
displays about the telescopes and the engineering feats
that allowed the Observatory to be constructed, as well
as an interesting narrative about how the invention of
Pyrex allowed the 200 inch mirror to be cast since it
doesn't contract and expand very much.
There are also great pictures of the universe
and the usual mind blowing astronomical numerical comparisons.
Most of the displays are images and text or computer touch
screen displays, so there are not many tactile exhibits
for small kids. A small gift shop selling astronomically
themed shirts and other neat souvenirs is on site.
Palomar Mountain State Park offers dense Coniferous forests
with Lupine and buttercups that bloom on-site, while squirrels
and raccoons run about the parks Doane Pond, filled with
bluegill, catfish, and trout stocked on a regular basis.
There are three campgrounds in the area,
with some that feature spectacular views of the Pacific
Ocean and some offering flush toilets and hot showers.
Within the confines of the park is the
Doane Valley campground, which is adjoined by some excellent
trails including the Doane Valley Nature Trial, a half-mile
leisurely nature walk along a trickling stream to a pond.
Among the plant life found along this trail are the box
elder, creek dogwood, wild strawberry, mountain currant,
and sierra gooseberry. Hikers will also see a 150 foot
tall incense cedar.
There are two other national forest campsites
in the area, with one of the most popular being Observatory
campground, situated at the east end of the park, adjacent
to the world-famous Palomar Observatory.
The campground also serves as the trailhead
for the Observatory Trail, a 2.2 mile trail that begins
with an uphill hike that ends at the Palomar Observatory
entrance gate. This trail has an excellent few of Mendenhall
Valley, one of the many meadows on Palomar Mountain from
a large wooden platform.
Trial maps can be purchased from the Palomar
Mountain General Store, which also has books and other
various items to help you make your way around the mountain
without getting lost.
