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The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park offers rugged semi-wilderness, rising from sea level to steep coastal mountains of more than 2,600 feet. Once the site of logging operations until the 1920s, visitors can still find evidence of logging operations, mill sites and trestles in the park. The land was donated to the state by the Marks family in 1963.
With over 30 miles of trails, hiking, jogging, and biking are some of the activities to be enjoyed here. Picnic tables and barbecue pits are available. A trail camp is located six miles from the nearest parking lot. Camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the park for more information.
Dogs are allowed only along the entrance road and in the picnic areas and must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.
Report a compliment or problem regarding park maintenance issues with the Park Observation Program.
Getting There
The park is four miles north of Aptos on Aptos Creek Road.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The park is four miles north of Aptos on Aptos Creek Road.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Climate/Recommended Clothing
The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.
The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.
Operating Hours & Contact
The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Telephone: 831-763-7062
The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Telephone: 831-763-7062
About the Park
This park is on land that was clear-cut during a forty-year logging frenzy (1883-1923). When the loggers left the Aptos Canyon, the forest began to heal itself and now the scars grow fainter with each passing year. The Forest of Nisene marks is a monument to forest regeneration and the future - it is a forest in the state of becoming.
This park is on land that was clear-cut during a forty-year logging frenzy (1883-1923). When the loggers left the Aptos Canyon, the forest began to heal itself and now the scars grow fainter with each passing year. The Forest of Nisene marks is a monument to forest regeneration and the future - it is a forest in the state of becoming.
Accessible Features
Disclaimer
We are working to improve accessibility throughout our parks but we regret that there are currently no (wheelchair) accessible activities at this park. This may be an undeveloped park, or there may be terrain, historic or resource protection issues or other limiting factors. However, there may be some wheelchair accessible features, such as parking areas, restrooms, and routes of travel, that meet some of the current accessibility guidelines. Call the park or email us at access@parks.ca.gov for details.
Disclaimer
We are working to improve accessibility throughout our parks but we regret that there are currently no (wheelchair) accessible activities at this park. This may be an undeveloped park, or there may be terrain, historic or resource protection issues or other limiting factors. However, there may be some wheelchair accessible features, such as parking areas, restrooms, and routes of travel, that meet some of the current accessibility guidelines. Call the park or email us at access@parks.ca.gov for details.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Loma Prieta Grade Loop
The Forest of Nisene Marks SP boasts an old Lumber Railroad Grade.
The Forest of Nisene Marks SP boasts an old Lumber Railroad Grade.
Easy
4.1 mi/
6.6 km
6.6 km
Guides
The Forest of Nisene Marks SP boasts an old Lumber Railroad Grade.
Community Trips
The Forest of Nisene Marks is a coastal park out of Aptos, ca. that is a California State Park. Located on Aptos Creek road, this park is popular with joggers and cyclists (as well as hikers). We started our hike from the Mary Easton picnic parking area. This parking area is about a mile and a half from the park entrance, down a graded dirt road. There is parking for about 6...
A quick hike in a famous State Park that I have never (!) visited before.I climbed up the West Ridge Trail, whose grade was very gentle and pleasant. Unfortunately, there was no views since you stay in the redwoods pretty much all the time. The good thing is that there was very little mud on this trail.I then went down using Ridge Connection Trail and this was a different story. While I...
INCH #744: Five Finger Falls (Forest of Nisene Marks State Park)
Monte Toyon, California, United States
15.6 miles
15.6 miles
For hike details follow this *link*.
Started from Olive Springs Road, hiked up to Overlook atop Santa Rosalia. A fellow was up there watching the eclipse and handed me a pair of glasses to watch it. Very cool. Then I had to hike back out on the double time, getting back to the car just before dark. Great hike. I'm utterly beat.
Thought we were going on a 4-ish mile hike (Loma Prieta Grade Loop), but took the wrong trail head. Ended up on this 8.9 mile hike. Wow! Glad we brought food and water. Way late getting home.
Surf City Hash House Harriers - Hash 550 - The dumbest hash ever
Soquel, California, United States
Hashing | 1.2 miles
Hashing | 1.2 miles
Start: The front of dBASED houseHare: dBASEDBeer Check: Willobrook parkReligion: dBASED back yardRA: Tiny Whiny BitchTrail Notes:The theme of this hash was the dumbest hash ever. It had 4 right turns and 3 checks with no falses.
Reviews
