As I walked through Soquel Demonstration State Forest, a recurring thought nagged me: could I enjoy myself here if this wasn't a demonstration forest? Would it possible for me to turn a blind eye to the logging trucks, and the obvious ongoing "wood harvesting?" Could I admire a particularly scenic and sturdy redwood year after year, or would the giant be gone next time? After all, Soquel's woods are a lot like other forested hillsides of Santa Cruz Mountains parks and preserves, with thick stands of Douglas fir, redwood, tanoak, and madrone. As nearly all of the bay area was logged extensively, our present publicly-owned forests are comprised predominantly of second-growth trees. But, no bay area publicly-owned recreation areas are actively logged, with the exception of state demonstration forests. California manages 8 of these forests, comprising around 71,000 acres. Soquel, with about 2,681 acres, is the only publicly-accessible demonstration forest in the bay area. Demonstration forests offer recreation as a secondary use; their primary function is to conduct research projects on forest management, and of course, to log.
      Soquel Demonstration Forest is an ideal location for mountain biking, and should you choose to hike here, you will be in the minority. Cyclists zip up and down the forest's fire roads and singletrack trails (some of which aren't on the official map), and many combine a visit to Soquel with rides into Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, which abuts Soquel to the west.
     Hikers must trek 2.3 miles downhill into the forest to reach an initial junction. From here a nearly 4-mile loop is possible, with elevation climbing from around 1350 feet to almost 2400 feet, and then dropping back to the junction. Add that to the hike back up to the trailhead for an over 8 mile trek. Old growth redwoods can be seen from the lower reaches of Hihn's Mill Road, near Badger Springs, about a 9.5 mile out-and-back hike. A few other loops are possible, but they are even longer and require you to hike over 1000 feet back uphill back to the trailhead. It easy to see the allure for cyclists; this forest is made much more friendly with the assistance of two wheels.
     Start at the roadside parking along Highland Way. (There is an interior parking area, but access to it is sometimes obstructed.) Walk over the bridge crossing Soquel Creek, then ascend briefly on a wide fire road, Hihn's Mill Road. Be alert for vehicular traffic, including logging trucks. As the fire road crests, you'll pass through a cleared flat area, which is the interior parking lot. Soon after, there's a gate and an information kiosk, with a detailed topographical map of the forest under glass (unfortunately the free paper map has much less detail). Hihn's Mill Road takes a nearly level course initially, as it passes through a forest of Douglas fir, madrone, tanoak, and redwood, with some California bay and big-leaf maple as well. Huge cut stumps are conspicuous. In the understory, look for currant, thimbleberry, hazelnut, ferns, and a few huckleberry shrubs. Hound's tongue and trillium are common in spring. Some cleared hillsides support small amounts of creambush, ceanothus, and toyon. Although the dirt fire road is scored with tire tracks, you might see evidence of animals as well. Snake trails and skunk paw prints were evident on my visit. The trail begins a more serious but still easy descent, downslope of a forested ridge, with a few seasonal creeks plummeting downhill to meet the East Branch of Soquel Creek. Some damp areas foster extravagant displays of giant chain fern and elk clover. You may notice a sulphur smell along some stretches of trail. Stay alert for downhill bicycle traffic. At 2.37 miles, you'll reach a signed junction with Sulphur Springs Trail, on the left. If you'd like to extend a hike, continue to the left or straight. Otherwise, retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Total distance: 4.74 miles
Last hiked: Friday, July 6, 2001

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