Pipeline Road Trail

Pipeline Road Trail follows an historic water conveyance corridor along the San Lorenzo River through the diverse landscapes of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, offering a gentle loop through second-growth redwood forest, riparian corridor, and mixed woodland. Unlike the old-growth Redwood Grove Loop, this trail traverses a recovering forest where regenerating redwoods, Douglas firs, and madrones create a dynamic successional landscape with excellent wildlife habitat. The San Lorenzo River corridor attracts an abundance of bird life, including belted kingfishers, great blue herons, and wood ducks, while steelhead trout spawn in the river during winter rains. Deer, bobcats, and foxes are frequently spotted along the wooded margins. The broad road surface makes for easy walking in all weather conditions, and the gentle undulation of the terrain keeps the loop accessible to most fitness levels. Cyclists and leashed dogs are welcome on portions of this route, making it one of the more family-friendly options in the park. The trail provides an excellent complement to the old-growth grove experience, illustrating how redwood forests recover after logging and the remarkable resilience of these extraordinary trees.