My Favorite Things About Forest Knolls

By: Cal Kinoshita

As I step out of my house, I’m surrounded by hills of lush eucalyptus trees. Flowers sprout on the side of the road - California Poppies, a rainbow of daisies, and yellow verbena add pops of color to the tree’s muted tones. Bordering the Mount Sutro Reserve, and being just a 20-minute walk away from Twin Peaks, makes going for a scenic hike covinient. Though the neighborhood is incredibly hilly, the Sutro Reservoir is often used as a makeshift track for walkers, joggers, and bicyclists. 

Situated on the West side of Twin Peaks, Forest Knolls frequently finds itself in the embrace of Karl the Fog. The fog coupled with wind can make the weather quite chilly. Still, I would say that the unbeatable views of the sunset and Sutro Tower on clear days make all the gloomy weather worth it.

My favorite thing about Forest Knolls is Clancy’s, a small patch of land that becomes a beacon of holiday spirit for a few months each year. In the Fall, pumpkins fill the grounds, turkeys show off for the public, children feel their way through the hay maze, and families enjoy the hayride that features scarecrows along the route. In the Winter, fresh-cut Christmas trees line up across the lot, handcrafted wreaths cover the walls of the sheds, and the sappy smell whirls around the block. At any given time throughout the rest of the year, dogs chase after balls and owners converse. Clancy’s is always a space where community bonds are strengthened. 

Forest Knolls is almost the center of the city, making it the perfect place for someone who loves exploring San Francisco's many districts and microneighborhoods. I love that the close proximity to Forest Hill Station makes it easy to take the MUNI underground. Four buses also stop at Forest Hill, two of which, the 43 and 44, connect opposite ends of the city. Living in Forest Knolls, one can always be assured that they’ll reach their location using MUNI even if it takes a few transfers. 

When I have the time, I love to hop on the 44 and head to Golden Gate Park. There is an endless number of things to do, especially being an SFUSD Student, which grants free admissions to the Japanese Tea Garden, De Young Museum, and Botanical Garden. I have spent multiple full days exploring the botanical garden and I still haven't covered the 55 acres of ground. My favorite spot in Golden Gate Park is Strawberry Hill, which is surrounded by Stow lake at the base. It’s a beautiful hike that features stone bridges, a man-made waterfall, and a Taiwanese pagoda. After the hike, I like to cool off by renting a rowboat to take in the gorgeous scenery and enjoy the company of the ducks on the lake. Strawberry Hill is truly an oasis in the middle of a bustling city. Also, from a teen’s perspective, it’s perfect for Instagram pictures;)

The Japanese Tea Garden is deceptively large, despite looking rather small from the outside. When walking through the Tea Garden, I’m mesmerized by the traditional Japanese architecture and rich green fauna. I like to stand on one of e many bridges to watch the koi fish swimming in the pond below. From the Japanese Tea Garden, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the DeYoung Museum, so I like to go to both on the same day. Amongst the multiple floors of artwork in the DeYoung, I always find myself returning to one specific piece called ‘The Spine and Tooth of Santo Guerrero’ by Al Farrow, which is a model cathedral made of thousands of bullets and multiple guns. The piece explores the relationship between religion, violence, and war, which I think is particularly relevant today. I would highly recommend that everyone sees it in person. I must also mention the Hamon Observation Tower, which is a part of the De Young and provides stunning views of Golden Gate Park.