Let's Fall in Love with Fall Creek!

Please RSVP only if you are committed to attend. Reevaluate your availability a few days before the hike and withdraw at that time if you can no longer commit. This allows others to attend.

Please take a few moments and refer to the frequently updated Soquel SoleMates Hiking Group general description ("What We're About") for important information about this group. Soquel Soulmates Hiking Group
https://4142298.xyz/soquel-solemates-hiking-group/

The Fall Creek Unit is the northern area of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. One of the park’s best-kept secrets, it is 2,390 acres with about 20 miles of hiking trails. Several trails were recently cleared and restored following the CZU Fire in 2020, which burned a portion of the park. All trails are now open. Most of these trails follow old wagon and logging roads that once led to busy industrial sites. This area was once the homelands of the Awaswas-speaking Ohlone village known as Sayanta, who stewarded these lands since time immemorial. Centuries of colonial violence led to the removal and displacement of the Sayante. Today, their descendants continue their stewardship and presence here, in partnership with State Parks.

We'll be hiking a good size loop combining a number of trails. We'll start on Bennett Creek Trail at the parking lot. This will lead us to the Fall Creek Trail. Then onto Fall Creek North Fork>back onto Fall Creek Trail>Cape Horn>Lost Empire>Big Ben>Fall Creek>Ridge Trail>Fall Creek Fire Road> back to Bennett and parking lot: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/fall-creek-and-lost-empire-trail-loop-7d92c08

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We'll hike past such monuments as the Big Ben Tree and the Barrel Mill Area through lush second-growth redwood forest with a wonderful mix of towering redwoods, fern-lined creeks and a bit of history.

We are entering our rainy season with scattered rainy days in the forecast ahead. A light drizzle will not be a problem on this hike because the forest is so delightfully dense on these trails. But heavier rain will be too distracting and even a bit dangerous. So we'll play it by ear. I ask that everyone keep their lines of communication open. We'll use the Comments section below so that we're all on the same page. And I'll keep you all updated.

There are a number of water crossings. Some with bridges. Some without.

Good news: No bikes allowed Bad news: No dogs allowed :(

Effort: Challenging Length: 9-10 miles Elevation gain: 1929 ft
Time: 4-5 hours Route type: Loop

I recommend waterproof hiking boots with good tread. Sun protection will not be necessary.

Carpooling is always a good, eco-friendly option. Let's all keep our lines of communication open. We'll use the Comments section below to coordinate travel.

If we finish our hike in time to avoid commute traffic and some or all are interested, we can head to Cowboy Grille or The Laughing Monk for refreshment!

Hope to see you there!
Jill :)