Fall Creek Hike Pics – February 26, 2025

SIR HIKE – FALL CREEK TO RIDGE TRAIL LOOP – FELTON

On Wednesday, February 26 there were 13 hikers that came on a pristine, beautiful sunny day with temperatures at 10am in the lower 60’s that finished at 71 at the end.  It had rained 5 days ago so Fall Creek was flowing rapidly as we witnessed quite a bit of white water and many mini waterfalls. So spectacular!  The redwood forest was fresh with new life from the recent rains with a slightly moist flooring along with paths that were a tad muddy here and there but nothing that created a mess on the shoes.  The redwoods, oaks, pines and madrone trees created a soothing and peaceful experience.  We navigated a 4.7 mile loop from a downloaded map that Doug Krause had. There were quite a few alternative unmarked junctions but we stayed on our designated route. We inspected an open air oven used to separate lime from rock in the old days. Overall the hike lasted 2 hours and 37 minutes with a total elevation gain of 706 feet.  The great thing about this hike was there was only one challenging incline of 125 feet. The rest were a series of ups and downs no greater than 50 to 75 feet.  Those that came were glad they did for it was one of those experiences that leaves you exhilarated and refreshed, besides the great exercise! Fall Creek is located in the western edge of Henry Cowell Park.

We then went 3 minutes away to The Empire Grille in Felton and had some tasty food from Western Bacon Cheeseburgers to Ruben sandwiches and our favorite brews.  The comaraderie and great conversations continued to the end. Then we drove on our way home through Scotts Valley where we stopped at The Canepa Car Museum. Here we saw a display of classic cars, classic race cars from dragsters to Indy racers and Daytona type stock cars.  And we finished by going to the upper floor where we saw the large restoration shop where classic cars were being remodeled, restored and painted.

Hikers were: Ben Berman, John Caldwell, Pete Eppolito, Bob Jamello, Nick Jize, Fred Jones, Doug Krause, Dan Tam, Mike Turay, Todd White, Jon Wiseman and Floyd Wolfe.