SIR Hike November 13th at Henry Cowell Observation Deck Loop – Felton, CA
Absolutely beautiful trail in one of the most magnificent old growth redwood tree forests in the Bay Area!
Highlights include beautiful redwoods, stunning views, and a well-maintained trail. Be sure to bring a bottle of water and sunhat and sunglasses as there are unshaded areas of the hike.
5.3 mile loop, There is a series of ups and downs that makes this an Easy to Lower Moderate hike. To get to the top Observation Deck is 598’ elevation gain. To get to the bottom is 161’ elevation gain. This hike will be 2 ½ hours to do that includes 20 minutes at the Observation Deck. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park charges a fee to park but is Free if you go to any SJ Library and get a State Park Pass.
This trail takes hikers through a variety of ecosystems and rewards those who with stunning views of Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountain ridges from the Observation Deck. This is the highest point of elevation in the park! We start out to the left going clockwise on the Redwood Grove Trail, continuing left on the Pipeline Rd, then left on the Eagle Creek Trail. At 1.6 miles into the hike we go right onto the Pine Trail up to the Observation Deck at 2.3 miles into the hike. The trail surface is packed dirt and then paved, and is typically at least three feet wide. There is a section of sand close to the top. The Observation Deck is perched in a rare sandhills plant community. Listen for the cackling calls of Acorn Woodpeckers. Beyond the trees, enjoy panoramic views of Monterey Bay and surrounding ridgetops. Take the Pine Trail from the Observation Deck for 0.4 miles then go right onto Powder Mill trail, go another 0.3 miles and at the Picnic Bench and go right onto Pipeline Rd; this is 3.0 miles into the hike. Now we are starting the loop back at Pipeline Rd. Continue on the Pipeline Road and go right onto the Redwood Grove Trail and go left at next opportunity to complete the hike and back at the cars.
After we will lunch-Empire Grille 6155 CA-9 Felton 831-704-2130.
The Hike Timeline – Wednesday, November 13
- 9am Meet at Cambrian Park Plaza parking lot facing Union Avenue in San Jose
- 9:10am Leave for Henry Cowell State Park at 101 Big Trees Park Rd Felton, CA 95018
- 9:45am Arrive and park in Henry Cowell State Park.
- 10am Start Hike.
- 12:30pm Complete Hike and back to cars.
- Drive ½ mile to Empire Grille 6155 CA-9 Felton, Open at 11am.
- 1pm – 2pm Lunch
- 2:30pm Back at cars at Cambrian Park Plaza parking lot