Summer Solstice 8x8 - Second 8 Mile Hike at Nisene Marks & Aptos St BBQ

Let's celebrate the longest day of the year! Friday, June 20, 2025
In celebration of the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, join a group of happy hikers on two hikes, ~8 miles each, in two beautiful State Parks: Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell and Nisene Marks. Sign up for one or both, separately.

Second 8 Mile Hike at Nisene Marks: Some may start with this hike and meet up with others who began the day at Fall Creek. We'll enjoy this 8 mile trail in the cool shade of the Forest of Nisene Marks and make our way to Maple Falls. After the hike, we will carry on the summer solstice celebration at nearby Aptos St BBQ.

This is the second of two 8-mile hikes. Starting from the Porter parking lot, this trail is around 8 miles, clockwise over Loma Prieta Grade down to Bridge Creek Trail that takes us to Maple Falls. We'll return by way of Bridge Creek Trail after a short break at Maple Falls. Our route on AllTrails. Distance, elevation gain, and time is an estimate. Please be flexible and allow around 4 hours hiking time.

Please note: the trail closer to Maple Falls includes some climbing and scrambling. Gloves come in very useful to make your way over, around and up different types of natural barriers. There are several smallish shallow creek crossings on this section.

Be prepared: Hiking shoes that you don't mind getting wet and have excellent tread are a must, along with gloves and clothing that will protect you from the ever-present poison oak. Remember to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and any other items you'll need on a hike of this distance and elevation gain.

Start and Finish Together: following the first hike at Fall Creek, we'll regroup and gather at Peet's Coffee at 1:30PM to consolidate cars and carpool into the park. We hike at a quick pace of 2.5 to 2.8 miles per hour, pausing at all junctions and creek crossings to make sure the group stays together and no one gets left behind.

Parking: Porter parking lot is the furthest lot inside the park and parking may be limited at this time of day. We'll meet at Peet's to carpool into the park, departing by 1:30PM. State Park Pass or $10 per car required.

Dogs are not allowed on these trails.

Legal Disclaimer: The organizers and hosts in this group are not professional guides, and each person who signs up for a trip/meetup/ or outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests and property. By signing up for a night at the pub, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any social activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the organizer, assistant organizers, event organizers and event hosts of this Meetup group from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities. As always, this is a “Participate at your Own Risk” event.