2016 hike 8: Henry Coe State Park

This weekend we set of with a small group of backpackers for a two night stay in Henry Coe State Park. Little by little, this place has become of our of favorite places to backpack. It is the second largest California state park (after Anza Borrego). It is located in Morgan Hill, right in our backyard.

Backpacking in Northern California: hills, fog, sun and poppies

We started from the North Gate and backpacked to Manzanita point. This is a short hike only, over rolling hills. Manzanita point became our home for the next two nights. It is a great campsite, where we have stayed before. It has running water and a toilet not too far.

The next morning, we set out to do a day long hike into the park. This 10+ mile became a lot more than just a hike. First of all, it was still spring and many wild flowers were on display. Secondly, the return path brought us through The Narrows to China Hole. The Narrows is a section where the trail crosses left and right of the river. There was plenty of water in the river, which made it a lot of fun.