Hurricane Deck (Western Part)

Start at Nira, up Potrero Trail and turn west toward Manzana Schoolhouse along Hurricane Deck, then from Manzana Schoolhouse, return along Manzana river.

About 18 miles

There is something about Hurricane Deck that fascinates everyone. Maybe it is the name. Maybe it is the way it looms over anyone who hikes in the area for miles and miles. Maybe it is the element of the "extreme adventure" because it is so hard to get to, so dry and hot, and without water. You really push your body and mind to the limit up there, while also enjoying beautiful 180 degree views.

The trail is barely maintained at all. I think the Forest Service would prefer that the trail fall into disrepair and close up with brush permanently. They probably get tired of sending rescue squads, and they probably sit behind desks so much that it's too hard for them to get there themselves to keep it maintained.

Some things to consider while hiking the Deck:

• Should you decide to camp on Hurricane Deck and make it a two day hike, do not make a fire. This place will set on fire like a blowtorch!
• Don't forget to bring a few gallons of water for your camp. There is no water on Hurricane Deck. You can fill up at the Schoolhouse end or down on Lost Valley trail or at the White Ledge end, but on top, you will have no water at all any time of year. You can stash water on Hurricane Deck a week in advance if this concerns you.
• You should probably consider bringing a pair of clippers or even a small saw. You will most likely need to hack your way through here or there. The brush is very scratchy, so bring appropriate clothes and gloves, too.

You will need an Adventure Pass to park at the trailhead.

Hurricane Deck (the entire thing) Updates

Update trail conditions

Posted: March 15, 2009, 3:09 pm
by: scottgrafton

Four of us ran the Potrero/Deck/Lost Valley loop March 14, 2009. The trail was in good shape. A million times better than both recent rumors and the last time I was on it (1977).

Potrero meadow is greening up nicely, but no spring. Trail up to the deck is wide open and burn section is easy to follow. Washouts are repaired beautifully, although it would still be unwise with a pack animal.

The western 2/3 of the deck is passed pretty much "on the edge", usually staying as far to the south as possible within the fire clearings, and without falling off. FUN!

From Big bend trail junction (Near the mystery bedframe) one traverses through the manzanita and white oak across the North side, but it is not that bad. We ran with clippers and opened up some of the overgrowth, and left plenty behind for others to cut in the future.

The only true nasty section is the double switch back on the north side of peak 4000', 1/2 mile west of the Lost Valley/Hurricane junction. It needs big loppers or a hand saw to get cleared properly. However, with some ducking and patience it is readily passed.

Lost Valley is wide open all the way down if you don't mind dodging burnt manzanita. There was water at the Pine tree, at the waterfalls heading into the valley above Castle, at the Spring on the road and in the creek all the way down Lost Valley.

9 hours of run/walking/clipping. A gorgeous day!

Wild Peonies everywhere.

Bring pants!

Posted: January 12, 2009, 9:32 am
by: ptsal

Hiked from Manzana Schoolhouse up the deck trail to Potrero trail and back to Nira. The trail is in great condition except for losing my way a couple of times on the north facing slopes as the trail switchbacks up out of the Sisquoc river valley. There were some downed oak trees or big fallen branches on the trail. The trail scars themselves became hard to follow as you approach the burn area. It needs to have a little TLC in that area and then the West Deck will be stellar! The switchback section was also "tick city" so keep that in mind. Zero ticks in the burn area so that's a plus. The burn area trail is wide open and very little difficulty following the trail. I was extremely dismayed though that the star thistle is absolutely EVERYWHERE, even on the deck. It's too bad and it seems like we are stuck with this nasty invader. I was up there Jan 11, 09. The flowers are starting to open. The honeybees were going nuts on the flowering manzanita bushes. Only saw one mushroom, a puffball on the Potrero trail. Not in edible condition, too old. No wind, bright sunshine temps were about 80 degrees. Brought 3 liters of water and drank every drop. Great hike!

Posted: November 17, 2008, 9:58 am
by: jan

I ran from Nira via Manzana Trail up Potrero Trail, along the rim of Hurricane Deck Trail back somwhere between Lost Valley Trail and White Ledge Trail to Nira.
Let me summarize: The fire has done his part and the trail starting at the middle of Potrero is almost invisible. I searched but had to take my own route. Being up on the rim, the Hurricane Deck trail is almost gone in the middle part between the 4237 peek and the 3668 peek. Sometimes the remaining of the trail is so very much on the edge that you really do not want to walk it! I actually think that some part must have collapsed recently.
There are a few traces that actually lead you to the wrong descend has happened to me. I only noticed being being half way down again. I made it through the wilderness back to the Lost Valley trail which is nice and easy for the lower 2/3 of the distance.

If you plan to do a day hike/run (it took me 10 hours running, sometimes I had to return as I was not on the track and further descend was impossible because of the dense scrub) take lots of water. You can easily get lost and then need an extra half a gallon.
I suggest going up Lost Valley trail as it is easier to find the route climbing up this route.
Long pants you need for sure.
Because of the fire you will look black anyway passing all the burnt branches.

Posted: March 31, 2008, 1:32 pm
by: Diane

Hiked the Hurricane Deck trail from White Ledge to Potrero. Unfortunately, the fire did very little "damage" (I'd like to consider it more like "clean-up") to the trail. It's just as miserable and overgrown as ever.

The section starting at White Ledge has burned quite a bit and can be a bit hard to follow in a couple of spots, but having it be open like that is nice. Once you pass out of this burn zone, most of the rest of the trail is untouched by the fire.

A few places along the crestline are burned on the front side and a little over the crest. It's a little easier to walk through this burned crest but there are enough burned twigs and yucca coming back to life to make it difficult.

Better luck next time.

---

Posted: March 14, 2008, 8:04 am
by: trav867

Just read Diane's post in the General Discussion forum- I had no idea the extent of the fire damage- looks like the wilderness will be closed for a long time. Looks like I'll be headed to Sespe Wilderness this spring...

Posted: March 14, 2008, 7:17 am
by: pjthermos777

Nira and Davey Brown campgrounds are still closed. I attemped to go for hike two weeks ago. I ended up just doing a different trail.

I would like to know when it will open again.

Posted: March 13, 2008, 9:57 am
by: trav867

Can't give any info about fire damage, but I'm curious about the status of the wilderness. From the Los Padres National Forest website, I gather that the majority of the place is still "closed." Can anyone tell me with certainty whether this is accurate?

Posted: February 22, 2008, 8:52 am
by: pjthermos777

I am thinking about planning a backpacking trip with a few friends. What is the condition of Hurricane Deck and what about the fire damage?

Planning on going sometime in March.

Thanks for any help that you can give.

-Peter

Posted: May 11, 2006, 5:42 pm
by: trav867

I did the Nira-Manzana-Whiteledge-Lost Valley loop Sunday and Monday. I had never been to San Rafael before. I started from Nira at about 2 pm and camped at Manzana Narrows. Got up early and made great time to the Whiteledge camp.

The first mile or so of Hurricane Deck from Whiteledge is fine, but once you hit the chaparral the going gets reallly tough. I did the Hurricane Deck section between about 11 am and 3pm and honestly it was horrible- a combination of crouching through brush, losing the trail, and picking off ticks. At some points, the only way I could find the trail was by looking for cuts in the brush- thanks Bryan!

The lost valley trail was beautiful- there are 2 spots within a mile of the Hurricane Deck Junction where I found water. It's getting hot during the day, and from whiteledge I'd say bring at least 3 if not 4 litres.

I made it back to nira at 7pm- I would not recommend anyone doing the narrows-whiteledge-deck-lost valley- nira trip in one day. I'm 21 and training for a june marathon, and the trip nearly killed me.

Also, be warned! I just got back from the doctor where I picked up a perscription for Poison Oak medication. I thought I knew what the stuff looked like, but apparently not.

I have a complete journal if anyone is interested in reading it, but if you're planning on doing the loop, just know that the 5 or so miles of Hurricane Deck are basically hell. That said, everything from Nira to Whiteledge was absolutely perfect, and lost valley trail is in decent shape.

Posted: May 8, 2006, 4:10 pm
by: Brian_

Is the trail still passable?

Posted: March 28, 2006, 6:34 pm
by: Bryan

Hiked Western HDeck on weekend on March 5-6, 2006. Trail was pretty overgrown but was passable - no crawling. I've seen the trail better but certainly seen it worse. I brought along loppers and tried to clear as much as I could. I ended up making obvious cuts every 20 yards or so. That way you could follow the trail by looking for the cuts. Anyway the views are nice and never even saw a footprint.

Posted: March 5, 2006, 8:28 pm
by: Anonymous

25-26 Feb. 2006 Hiked Manzana Trail to Manzana Schoolhouse and camped there. Then hiked up Hurricane Deck and down Potrero Trail. Hurricane Deck was a bit overgrown, but passable. We lost the trail twice, but found it again. Encountered some ticks and 2 rattlesnakes. The junction with Potrero trail was unmarked, but otherwise pretty evident (I was afraid of passing it). There is a nice meadow with Chumash cave paintings on Potrero Trail, worth the small side trip.

Posted: January 17, 2006, 12:25 pm
by: Anonymous

Did the Nira-Manzana-Whiteledge-Lost Valley loop. Pretty dense brush on the Whiteledge-Lost Valley section of Hurrican Deck. The sign said 5 miles, but it took a solid 4 hours.
No ticks, no snakes. Watch out for the tricky switchbacks in the trail description.
Anyone know what the actual mileage is on this section?

Posted: November 19, 2005, 10:46 pm
by: Chris Chirgwin

Hiked from Nira to the Schoolhouse on Friday, November 18. Camped overnight at the school house (no water about 1 mile below Dabney Cabin to the Sisquoc). On Saturday, hiked up Hurricane Deck to Potrero Trail and back down to Nira. There was alot of brush on Hurricane Deck that slowed us down. Potrero Trail was in good condition however.

Posted: June 1, 2005, 6:01 pm
by: BSA Troop 42

30 May 05 – White Ledge Camp to Lost Valley Trail junction. Good trail. One rattlesnake encountered; no ticks. Hikers and packs turned yellow from blooming Greasewood pollen. Our deepest thanks to those with the energy and initiative required to maintain the trails. It was fun to recognize the spots that Diane mentions in her Trail Guide.

Posted: April 18, 2005, 1:45 pm
by: Anonymous

Hello Diane,
Thanks again for your site. You make enjoying the trails so much better.

There is a bad cave-in on Hurricane Deck between Lost Canyon Trail and Big Bend Trail. It is dangerous without ropes. The trail that had gone to the north side is awkwardly absent for almost a hundred feet - and several hundred feet down.

It is possible to climb up the ridge but is very loose and steep with no solid holds.

With that exception, the Marathon Loop was everything you described.

Thank you!
Dave

Posted: March 23, 2005, 7:36 pm
by: Diane

Post your updates here.