The Jackson Flats Trail Loop in Butano State Park is a 6.4-mile loop with a 1000ft elevation gain. This loop starts at the small parking lot just to the left as you pass through the entry-fee gate. Look for the Jackson Flats Trailhead sign right next to the Visitor Center. In a little over a half mile you will reach a trail junction, take a left and proceed west up the Mill Ox Trail. This climbs up to the South Butano Fire Trail where you will turn right and proceed northeast along the ridge line above Little Butano Creek Valley. After a few miles you will have views of the CZU Fire burn areas, especially at the scenic view area at the trail junction where you will take a right turn and proceed south when you re-join the Jackson Flats Trail.
From here down you will have an amazing descent into the forested valley containing coast redwoods and mixed evergreens. The charred black bark of the redwood trees stands in contrast to the new-growth lush green vegetation that is emerging all around what was the northern-most reaches of the CZU Fire of 2020.
These redwood trees are fire resistant. Tannic acid is a chemical infused in their thick and fibrous bark which keeps them safe from fires. If a fire ever does harm them, they also can re-sprout from burl tissue. Fires have shaped redwood ecosystem for a long time, creating healthy groves of trees.
After two miles of downhill and crossing a few tributary streams, you will reach the same Mill Ox Trail junction. Turn left and proceed east down a steep 1/4 mile through more redwoods to the bridge that crosses Little Butano Creek. Walk a few yards down the paved Olmo Road and look for the Six Bridges Trail sign in a small valley to the left. Take the Six Bridges Trail south for a short mile where it meanders up and down and crisscrossing the small creek over a series of bridges. You will need to cross one last bridge heading west to reach the parking lot where your hike started.
At a leisurely pace, you should complete the loop in 3 1/2 hours. Now you'll be ready for some food! A short drive south down Cloverdale and Gazos Creek roads will lead you to the ocean and directly to Highway 1 Brewing Company. There you can enjoy some craft beers and eclectic tavern fare in a homey roadside bungalow with outdoor seating and views of the Pacific Ocean.
With energy restored, cross the highway to the small Gazos Creek Beach parking lot. This is the northern most part of Año Nuevo State Park. If you are looking for some barefoot hiking, this is a great walking beach, especially during low tide. You’ll find a beautiful and uncrowded stretch of beach that will lead you eventually to Franklin Point, named after the ill-fated clipper ship that crashed on the rocks in 1865. It is an approximately 2.5-mile round trip. Enjoy the views and return the way you came for full day of Coastide splendor!
— Erik Watts, CSPA Board Member
