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Madrone Soda Springs

Santa Clara · Managed by California State Parks · Region: Henry W. Coe State Park
Difficulty 17/100 · Easyout and back#creekside#diablo-range#spring-wildflowers#quiet
Distance
10 mi
Total gain
1,680 ft
Net gain
1,600 ft
Net loss
1,600 ft
Days
2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires prohibited

Overview

Madrone Soda Springs is Coe's forested creek camp: a 3.6-mile descent from the Coe Ranch ridge through oak and bay forest to a spring-fed flat, returning 6.4 miles along the Middle Fork. The park's prettiest short loop, blooming with wildflowers each spring.

Highlights

  • A creekside camp under madrone and bay trees
  • Spring-fed water that runs even in dry years
  • Wildflower slopes along the return in March
  • A loop with two different canyons

How hard is Madrone Soda Springs?

CaliPeaks rates this route 17/100 (Easy). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 1,680 ft puts this trip at 14% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 10 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 1,916 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 2 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Coe Ranch Visitor Center · parking: Coe Ranch entrance parking off East Dunne Avenue, Morgan Hill
  • Water: Madrone Soda Springs and seasonal creeks; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Morgan Hill is 30 minutes away.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Stove required: yes — no fires possible on this route

Permits

  • Agency: California State Parks (Henry W. Coe SP)
  • Reserve or apply on parks.ca.gov
  • Quota: None — backpacking permits are first-come, first-served at park entrances.
  • Reservation window: No reservations; arrive early on spring weekends.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires prohibited. Wood or charcoal fires are never allowed in the Coe backcountry. Gas stoves only. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: February, March, April, October, November.

Snow: Year-round.

Heat: The return climb is warm — start the exit early.

Bugs: Minimal.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The route drops and regains 1,600 feet
  • Treat all spring water
  • Wood fires are never allowed in the backcountry

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Elevation sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Backpacking Recommendations — Henry W. Coe State Park. California State Parks. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=26411. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Madrone Soda Springs designated campsite route table from the Coe Ranch entrance (3.6 mi out, 6.4 mi back, 80 ft/1,600 ft gain by direction).
  3. Henry W. Coe State Park. California State Parks. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=561. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Backpacking fees, first-come permits, and the no-wood-fires backcountry rule.
  4. Plan Your Visit. Pine Ridge Association at Henry W. Coe State Park. https://coepark.net/planning-your-visit/. Accessed 2026-09-07. Water resources and trail conditions.