The Forest of Nisene Marks: Aptos's 10,000-Acre Park Sits on the Loma Prieta Epicenter. Here's What's Open

The forest above Aptos looks wild today, but almost all of it was logged within living memory of the park's founding.

From clear-cut to park

The Loma Prieta Lumber Company clear-cut the area from 1883 to 1923, according to Wikipedia. In 1963, the children of Nisene Marks and the Nature Conservancy donated 9,700 acres to the state. The park now covers 10,223 acres and rises above 2,600 feet. The epicenter of the Oct. 17, 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake is inside the park.

Before you go

California State Parks says the park is 4 miles north of Aptos on Aptos Creek Road, has about 30 miles of trails and charges an $8 vehicle fee. Parking is not allowed along Aptos Creek Road. The agency lists current closures: West Ridge Trail Camp, the Aptos Creek Trail, and the trail to Five Finger Falls at the Big Slide/Aptos Creek intersection. Check the park page before planning a hike to the falls.