The park is named after Nisene Marks, a woman who lived in the area and whose children purchased the land to preserve it after her death.
The Loma Prieta earthquake's epicenter is marked by a designated trail site within the park.
The forest contains significant remnants of historical logging railroads and trestles.
Much of the current forest is second-growth, as nearly every acre was clear-cut during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The park connects directly to the larger Soquel Demonstration State Forest at its northern boundary.
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is a 10,200-acre secondary-growth redwood forest located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The park encompasses the epicenter of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, which measured 6.9 on the moment magnitude scale. It features over 40 miles of trails catering to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The terrain ranges from riparian corridors along Aptos Creek to steep ridges reaching elevations of 2,600 feet. Much of the land was historically logged by the Nisene Marks family firm between 1883 and 1923, leading to the current forest structure. The park remains largely undeveloped, lacking maintained campgrounds or visitor centers. Access is primarily managed through the entrance near Aptos Creek Road.
The trestle remnants along the Aptos Creek Trail.
Check the California State Parks website for recent trail closures, as the area is prone to landslide damage during winter rains.
Bring a printed map or offline navigation, as cellular service is largely unavailable once you pass the entrance kiosk.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, as the trails are often steep, rocky, and can be muddy for extended periods.
Do not attempt to drive beyond the designated parking areas, as road conditions are often restricted to authorized personnel only.
Park access may be restricted or closed during extreme weather events or high wildfire risk periods.
Dogs are prohibited on all trails; stay on marked paths to protect sensitive habitats and prevent erosion.
