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Observation Deck Loop

The Observation Deck Loop hike at the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Felton, California is a moderate 4.5-mile out-and-back trail that features a observation deck point at the top of the mountain.

The trail starts at one of the campgrounds, following the paved Pipeline Road through the wilderness and the redwoods. Breaking off to Eagle Creek Trail, the hike follows that up to Pine Trail, heading towards the observation deck. From the observation deck, follow Ridge Fire Road trail down the side of the mountain and back into the forest, meeting up back at the paved Pipeline Road and following that back to the starting point.

Pipeline Road, while paved, does have some pretty steep ups and downs. While the mountain trails are not as steep, most of it is covered in sand which can add additional difficulty as compared to solid ground.

Trails: Pipeline Road, Eagle Creek Trail, Pine Trail, Ridge Fire Road.

Pets: Dogs are not allowed on some of the named trails along this hike, hence dogs are not allowed. Please see the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park trail map for where dogs are permitted.
Explore 20 trails near Felton, CA

Know Before You Go

  • The Observation Deck Loop is a 4.5-mile moderate hike in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton, CA.
  • The trail involves a mix of paved (Pipeline Road) and unpaved (Eagle Creek, Pine, Ridge Fire Road) paths, with sandy conditions on mountain trails and some steep inclines on the paved sections.
  • Dogs are prohibited on certain sections of the loop; consult the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park trail map for dog-friendly areas.
Interactive topographic map for Observation Deck Loop located in Felton, CA. Click the "View Map" button to load GPS coordinates and trail markers.
Get directions
Distance
4.5 mi
Difficulty
Moderate
Type
Loop
Est. Time
2.3 hrs
Elev. Gain
652'
Rating
0.0
Added
June 15, 2021
Updated
June 16, 2021

Weather Forecast

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Total Change
567'
Ascent
652'
Descent
654'
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Download Observation Deck Loop GPX Data to the MyHikes Mobile App

Features

Vista / Lookout Point

Points of interest

  1. Parking

    37.040791, -122.065827
  2. Main Trailhead

    37.04087, -122.06499

Safety information

For your own safety: plan ahead, let someone know where you'll be, and hike at your own risk.

Availability

All seasons

Surface type

Semi-Paved

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