Sonora Pass

~~ CK

el Corte Madera Creek OSP

This is a good park to visit when it’s raining, because its trails don’t get very muddy, as well in the summer when the tree cover keeps it cool.

Compared to nearby parks, El Corte de Madera is a little better than Huddart and Wunderlich County Parks due to its remoteness and lush forest, but not as nice as Purisima Creek, which has more variety and better views. - redwoodhikes.com

~CK

el Corte Madera Creek OSP

Most of the park’s trails are dirt roads, which tend to be kind of dull because dense stands of understory shrubs and trees along the sides block views into the forest. Some dirt roads have either been narrowed by MROSD or have turned into singletrack over time, but they still have essentially the same scenery as the full-width dirt roads. The most enjoyable trails are purpose-built singletrack, of which there are only a few. - redwoodhikes.com

~ CK

el Corte Madera Creek OSP

This remarkably lush park just west of Skyline Boulevard is mainly used by mountain bikers. As a hiking destination, it can be a little monotonous since almost the entire park is wooded and there aren’t really any scenic destinations. However, the park, and especially its singletrack trails, does have some very attractive woodland. The canyon bottoms, covered with dark, dense stands of second-growth redwood, are definitely the highlight; there are even, here and there, a few small clusters of old-growth redwoods. Throughout, the park is impressively green and there’s little or no traffic noise. - redwoodhikes.com

~ CK

el Corte Madera Creek OSP

Be watchful when visiting the preserve. With a little imagination and a good eye, telltale signs of past history are still evident. You might notice a flattened pad where a mill or cabin once stood, or the rusted remains of heavy equipment, abandoned when the mills were no longer economical to operate. Numerous logging roads are still evident, most of which are now trails. With a little help, nature has incredible healing powers: the deep canyons have regenerated dense stands of second-growth redwoods. While most of the giant old-growth redwoods were logged, a few awe-inspiring giants remain to be seen. - openspace.org

~ CK