Monterey Bay Trekkers

The Monterey Bay Trekkers hiking program is an opportunity for Cub Scouts and their families to explore local hiking trails and parks in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties. Through the Trekkers program, Cub Scouts and their families will also learn why health and fitness are important for a long-lasting and productive life.



Nisene Marks Hike

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
This hike will take you through a beautiful redwood forest, an old logging mill, and near the epicenter of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.

Hike Statistics
Distance: 2-4 miles round trip
Time: Allow 2-3 hours
Grade: Mostly flat, a few small inclines
Suggested Age: Tigers through Webelos

Hike Description
Park at George’s Picnic Area and begin the hike on the dirt road leading through the park, heading north. Immediately as you begin your hike you will cross over the Aptos Creek. Continue north on the dirt road past the Mary Easton Picnic Area and the Porter
Family Picnic Area. As you are hiking, be on the look out for the local inhabitant Ariolimax columbianus, the Banana Slug, and Hygrocybe miniata, a small red and yellow mushroom. Slightly past the Porter Family Picnic Area you will find a trailhead for the Loma Prieta Grade Trail on your left, follow the Loma Prieta Grade Trail. Hiking along the Loma Prieta Grade Trail you will cross a tributary on a bridge built by the Youth  Conservation Corps in the early 1990’s. As you continue along the Loma Prieta Grade trail be on the lookout for old railroad ties and other historical artifacts left over from
the Loma Prieta Logging Company. Stop and read the interpretive sign detailing the history or the Porter House. At the sign, continue on the trail directly to your right for approximately 20 yards until you see the small ‘Porter House Site’ sign. Look around the site for old bricks and other historical artifacts; however, do not remove anything from its location or from the park! Continue on the trail that goes down the hill, directly in front of the sign; this is the Mill Pond Trail. While on the Mill Pond Trail you will cross the Aptos Creek by bridge. When you reach the dirt road, make a right and continue along the road. Not far from here you will find the Loma Prieta Mill Site. Enjoy the interpretive sign and the old foundation and archaeology of the mill site before you return back to your vehicle.

Driving Directions:


Administration
California State Parks; The Forest of Nisene Marks SP
Telephone (831) 763-7062
Operating Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Address: Aptos Creek Road, Soquel Drive Aptos, CA
Parking Fees: Yes
Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=666




Contact Information:
Santa Cruz Cub Scouts Pack 618 Cub Masters can be reached via email at  http://www.bspack618.org All Pack 618 official information and announcements are posted and updated.