Santa Cruz County - 2008 Official Traveler's Guide - (Page 47) San Lorenzo Valley habitats. redwoods. A mountain sanctuary reflecting nature’s resiliency The 25-mile long San Lorenzo River threads along the mountain towns of Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek, Brookdale, and Felton. The lively coastal communities fade into memory as you enter the stillness of lush redwood A century and a half after the logging industry left behind barren land, the resiliency of the valley’s natural surroundings is reflected in its hills and towns. Early preservationists championed the ideas of appreciation and protection of nature. Finally, the mountains returned to their natural state, where trickling streams and graceful waterfalls cohabitate with old and second-growth Fall Creek State Park’s collection of old logging operations, lime quarries and kilns stand as a testament to the history of the area. Other state parks grace the landscape, including Big Basin (home to some of the largest oldgrowth coastal redwoods in existence), Henry Cowell, and Castle Rock. Together the parks comprise over 23,000 acres of land, with a colletive 130 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, picnic areas, campgrounds and interpretative programs. A beautifully mysterious park is the Loch Lomond Recreation Area, open March through September, where all the trails boast Scottish names. Its secluded lake supplies water to the city of Santa Cruz, and although swimming is not allowed, this fresh pool just north of Felton is the perfect place to fish from shore, or float atop the glassy water in a paddle boat. Retrace the engaging and colorful past of Boulder Creek through local wineries, antique stores, and galleries. This year, Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton celebrates 45 years of hosting visitors on nostalgic rides through the redwoods aboard vintage steam locomotives. Roaring Camp also hosts an array of celebrations year-round, like the Summer Gathering of Mountain Men where visitors can interact with the wild and wooly characters of the 1800s. The rich history and independent spirit of the San Lorenzo Valley also live on in other events like the Boulder Creek Art, Wine and Music Festival, enlivening the town over Memorial Day weekend. The Loch Lomond Highland Games honor the area’s Scottish heritage with athletics, bagpipe competitions, and authentic dancing. Tradition and history have come full-circle in the San Lorenzo Valley, its towns evolving into mountain sanctuaries and quiet retreats, where originality and hardiness have stood the test of time. 47 “ Walk among some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world.” organic gardening Magazine, deceMBer 2006 / January 2007 Photo: Mark Barnes www. s a n t a cr u z co u n ty. t r a v e l http://www.santacruzcounty.travel
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