You not have to go to the MUIR or Sequoia if you wanna see some big redwoods - go to Henry Cowell... read more
You not have to go to the MUIR or Sequoia if you wanna see some big redwoods - go to Henry Cowell... read more
This state park is absolutely beautiful. We did the Redwoods Grove Loop Trail which is only 0.9... read more
I can’t believe I’ve lived in the Bay Area my whole life and had never come here to see these redwoods! It is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. We did the Redwood Grove Loop trail (about one mile), and it was a very easy and light walk (no elevation), but with beautiful trees and scenery nonetheless. The pathway is also very wide, which makes it feel safe for socially distancing (and pretty much everyone was abiding by mask protocols). The parking can be a little confusing since there are multiple areas to park, so if you’re looking to do the Redwood Grove loop, make sure to park at the N Big Trees Park Rd Parking (101N N Big Trees Park Rd, Scotts Valley, CA 95060). Parking wasn’t an issue and it was a short walk to the trail.
We can’t wait to come back and explore other areas of the park!





I moved out of the redwood forest after 39 years, and a return to this nice park maskes me smile and appreciate the uniqueness of the central coast area. I was happy to see the parking lot full on the weekend after Thanksgiving! I still wish that they would adopt a forest management system to minimize the dead debris everywhere, for the good of the trees, for the good to the tourist attraction, and to help make it more fire safe, after nearby Big Basin suffered terrible fire damage in 2020. I would volunteer to help.

Oh my gosh!
My husband and I were in awe with the sheer size and the wonder of mother nature.
That was the second state park we visited. The entrance employee noticed our paid parking receipt on the dashboard. He stated since we paid for one entrance fee it was good for the same day to other state parks free entrance for parking.
This state park had a good layout map and trails were marked.
We even saw a banana slug!! A fellow nature person pointed one out to us, so that we wouldn't miss it.
This state park is a must!

The Fall Creek Unit is now my favorite place to hike in the Bay Area, by a factor of 14. Purisima Creek has 3 tree bridges right off the trail, Fall Creek and its surroundings has 40+ of varying heights, trunk widths, lengths, steepness and rottenness. There are 30+ tree bridges and cantilevered trunks between the Fall Creek trail junction with Bennett Creek Trail and the South Fork trail to Lime Kilns. The South Fork trail has another 5-10. Then, take the Cape Horn Trail to Lost Empire Trail to Big Ben (not the most impressive tree, BTW) , which has another 5 or so, including the one at Lost Camp that crosses a shallow pool with a small waterfall. Descend Big Ben trail to the upper section of Fall Creek Trail, where there are another 40+ in the Barrel Mill area, plus wading pools and small waterfalls and fern covered gullies. An adventure for any kid or anyone with a kid's heart.

This review is about CAMPING at Henry Cowell only.
My family of 4 including 2 school aged kids camped here for 3 nights in July. Many of the sites here are generously spacious! The impressive site size was perfect for camping in times of Covid - I felt well spaced from neighbors. We had site 96 which though looks like it may be small on the site map, is actually decently large.
Most of the sites were well shaded with tall study trees worthy of hammocks. We saw very few mosquitos and yellow jackets.
The exception to the shady/ spaciousness were sites along the ridge in the 2-50 loop. However those ridge sites had beautiful vistas.
The sites are so full of trees that one cannot view the loop roads, in case for example, you want to keep an eye on your kids biking around the loops.
Dogs are allowed to camp here as long as they remain on leash. There are very few trials that are dog friendly, but the loops are plenty lovely for walks with dogs.
The bathrooms were reassuringly clean. Many trash and recycling collection areas.
Watch out for poison oak.
Firewood is delivered to campsites for $10 a bundle.
Easy 20 minute drive to Santa Cruz beaches, and less than 10 minutes to a supermarket in Felton. Highly recommend the Roaring Camp Railway ride for young and old alike.

Awesome park to hike in, bring your swim suit if you plan on jumping in the water. We followed the old railroad tracks to a watering hole and it was an easy hike. Getting to the river was a bit more challenging for some of us but easy if you have the right shoes.
