This site features oak savanna/grassland and also includes mixed Douglas-fir/hardwood and riparian forest. The grasslands host nesting Chipping, Vesper and White-crowned Sparrows, and wintering Golden-crowned Sparrow with Dark-eyed Junco year-round. House and Purple Finches are common along with both goldfinch species. Watch overhead for flocks of Evening Grosbeak or Band-tailed Pigeon. Wooded areas have Red-breasted Sapsucker, Olive-sided and Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Lazuli Bunting and Chestnut-backed Chickadee. Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks patrol the area. Spring migration brings diverse warblers and vireos. The Allen Throop Loop (1 mi) has mostly gentle grades. For a longer loop, from a signed junction at the lower (W) end follow the Allen Throop Trail 1 mi to the Cardwell Hill Trail, then E to Cardwell Hill Rd and back to the Fitton Green trailhead.
From the stoplight at 53rd St/Harrison/Walnut/Oak Creek Dr, travel 1.9 mi W on Oak Creek Dr. Fork L on Cardwell Hill Rd and follow signs for 2.3 mi. Turn L on Chinook, then R on Chaparral, which becomes Panorama. The road dead ends in the parking lot.
