SDSF Goals

  • Restore and enhance the natural resources within the Forest,  including watershed protection.
  • Provide public recreational uses that are consistent with protection of SDSF.
  • Develop a forestry education program for the public, schools and interested organizations.
  • Demonstrate sustained-yield timber harvesting sufficient to cover forest operations and management costs.
  • Protect old-growth redwood trees.
  • Provide research opportunities in forestry and natural resource management.

Safety

SDSF covers rugged terrain and many areas with difficult access. Emergency response can take an extended period of time in some areas and cell phone reception is not consistent. Please be safety-conscious at all times. Travel with others whenever possible and let someone know of your plans. Poison oak and ticks are common.
​
  1. Bring plenty of drinking water.
  2. Advanced terrain exists on mountain biking trails.  Ride within your limits.
  3. Practice trail etiquette. Ride at a safe speed.
  4. Braille Trail, Flow Trail, and Sawpit Trail are recommended for downhill traffic only. Watch for and expect two-way traffic on all other trails and roads.
  5. Check signboards for any current closure areas.
  6. Stay off trails during wet weather.
  7. Report  problems and hazards to SDSF staff. Please call 911 in an emergency.
  8. Watch for and expect forest management traffic on the roads.

Forest Rules

Forest Rules are designed by CAL FIRE to protect the resources and visitors of SDSF.  We encourage you to help by adhering to these rules:
​
  • Day use recreation only (dawn to dusk).  No camping is permitted. No nighttime use is allowed.
  • Firearms of any kind are not allowed.
  • Motorcycles or any other motorized vehicles are not permitted.
  • Park smart. Don’t impede emergency access by blocking fire roads or gates.
  • Respect private property by not trespassing onto adjacent private lands.
  • Smoking or fires of any kind are not allowed in the Forest due to the associated fire risks.
  • Horses and mountain bikes must stay on designated trails and roads.
  • Please do not litter-pack out what you pack in.
  • Practice Trail Etiquette. Be courteous to other forest users. Mountain bikers yield to horse riders and hikers, hikers yield to horse riders.​
  • Keep trails in good condition by not riding when it is raining or when soils are saturated.
  • ​California Fish and Wildlife regulations prohibit fishing in the East Branch of Soquel Creek.​