Small town mountain communities with spectacular parks

Starting in Santa Cruz, take Highway 9 and you’ll see the landscape dramatically change from coastal city to redwood forests. The road winds along the San Lorenzo River reaching the first mountain town of Felton and then climbs to Boulder Creek.

Much of the river valley is rural and wooded and some areas have neighborhoods, schools and town centers. But our best features are recreational–Big Basin, Loch Lomond, Quail Hollow and Henry Cowell parks.

Why we ♥ the San Lorenzo Valley

History. The valley was once a center of the logging industry especially during the rebuilding of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. By the mid 1880’s a new railway made the lumber more accessible so logging moved from Felton up the mountain to Boulder Creek. By the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, Felton’s economic base switched to limestone mining.

Many of these operations were owned by the Cowell family who amassed a fortune in construction materials. In 1953, descendant Samuel Cowell donated the land that became Henry Cowell State Park and the University of Santa Cruz campus. The name Cowell appears on many landmarks through the area.

Felton. Named for John B. Felton, an investor in his day, the town is an historic logging community. Over the San Lorenzo River is an 80-foot-long covered bridge built in 1892 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Felton has developed as a resort town, with lodges, hotels, summer camps, conference centers and wineries.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is famous for the 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees. Its historical significance and spectacular scenery draw travelers from around the world. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, picnic, swimming and camping on more the 4,650 acres of forested and open land. The tallest tree is about 277 feet tall and about 16 feet wide and about 1500 year old.

Roaring Camp. Roaring Camp is a re-creation of an 1880s logging camp and home to the original Felton depot. In 1963, the steam-powered Roaring Camp Railroad began tourist operations and in 1985, they took over operations of the old line to Santa Cruz. A great family destination.

Quail Hollow Ranch. Originally a 1866 homestead, it became the vacation retreat for the Lane family who purchased Sunset magazine in 1937. In 1986 it was purchased by the County of Santa Cruz and is maintained as a 300-acre historic horse ranch and nature preserve. Home to 15 habitats and hiking and equestrian trails. A ranch complex with a visitor center, historic ranch house, picnic areas, horse barns, lawn areas, orchards and basic amenities. Free classes and workshops

Loch Lomond is a 175-acre reservoir near Lompico and was created with the building of a dam across Newell Creek, a tributary of the San Lorenzo River. Boating, fishing, picnicking and hiking with quiet, restful views. Swimming and private boat launching is NOT permitted. There is a boat rental and snack shop.

Big Basin State Park. Established in 1902, Big Basin is California’s oldest state park. Its biggest attractions are its ancient coastal redwoods. Some of these giants are more than 50 feet around and as tall as the Statue of Liberty. At 1,000 to 1,800 years old, some may predate the Roman Empire. The park also offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, lush waterfalls and a fascinating natural and cultural history. Hiking trails, guided hikes, camping and natural discovery.

Image: Big Basin State Park – Golden Cascade by calwhiz, Creative Commons

Eco-guide to living lighter

San Lorenzo Valley in the Santa Cruz Mountains

San Lorenzo Valley in the Santa Cruz Mountains

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