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Wild Recovery San Jose, California

December 1, 2007 Forest of Nisene Marks

The Place

        There are a few interesting sites to visit: Loma Prieta Mill Site, Porter House Site, Hoffman’s Historic Site, etc. all of them pretty old and in ruins now but surrounded by and enchanted forest that seems to be taken from a Fairy Tale.

Getting There

        DIRECTIONS:  From San Jose take Hwy 17 south towards Santa Cruz. Take Hwy 1 south to the State Park Drive exit. Go east on State Park Drive to Soquel Drive. Go 1 mile to Aptos Creek Road and turn left. Follow Aptos Creek Road into the park. Meet at Mary Easton Picnic Area.

Drive time is 1 hour – Parking $6 – Dogs not allowed

Walking the Walk

        (Level 3 - Miles: 7 - Elevation ~900')  Starting point is at Mary Easton Picnic Area taking the Porter Trail to the Porter Family picnic area then connecting with the Loma Prieta Grade Trail up to the junction of Bridge Creek Trail following this trail to the Maple Falls, coming back to the Ridge Connection tail to hike back to the Mary Easton picnic area via West Ridge Trail to end at Trail Camp Parking just a short walk from our starting point.

Know Before You Go

        RECOMMENDED:  This is a rocky, wet terrain, especially in winter. Dressing in layers is recommended and hiking shoes/boots strongly advised. 

Drive time is 1 hour – Parking $6 – Dogs not allowed