Manzana Schoolhouse and Dabney Cabin
Manzana Schoolhouse is an old schoolhouse last used around 1901 when there was a community of religious people living in the area. They once farmed along the Sisquoc River but several years of drought caused them to sell their land to the US Forest Service. The schoolhouse has been abandoned since then and ruins of their old homesteads can be found along the Sisquoc River. Dabney Cabin is an old hunting lodge from near the turn of the century and is a county historical landmark. The Manzana Schoolhouse makes a nice backpacking destination. There is a primitive campground there with picnic tables and a privy.
The trail is strenuous only because it is long and involves many river crossings that will get your feet wet. But the trail itself is quite level.
You hike in the San Rafael Wilderness area where the terrain is remote and wild. In spring there are many wildflowers.
It is 14 miles round trip to Dabney Cabin.
It is 17 miles round trip to the schoolhouse.
Begin the hike at the sign marking the trail just across the river. It is best to cross the river just below the road, because the road gets slick with moss.
The trail parallels the river, moving up the side of the hill.
At about 1.25 miles you reach a small, primitive camp called Potrero camp. Cross the creek.
There is a trail junction here just after crossing the creek with Portrero Trail and Hurricane Deck to the right. Continue straight.
The trail stays in the river bed and requires many creek crossings.
At approximately 3 miles, you may notice Coldwater Camp to your right in a clearing. There is a campsite under a large oak tree. Both Potrero Camp and Coldwater Camp make for nice backpacking trips for beginners.
At about 4 miles, there is a large meadow to your right with a faint trail. Horseshoe camp is at the end of the horseshoe-shaped meadow, around the hill. There is a nice swimming hole here. Stay straight to continue on the trail.
At about 6 miles you come to a large meadow for cattle grazing. Your trail has become a dirt road. There is a private in-holding here. You may see people driving along the road. Just past the meadow, stay straight along the stream. Don't take the left fork in the road.
At just under 6.5 miles there is some old, rusty farm equipment in the field. It may not be visible if the grass is high. At 6.5 miles there is another junction with a dirt road. Stay to the right and cross the creek.
After a few more crossings you reach Dabney Cabin at the 7 mile mark. You can use the outhouse up the hill behind the cabin.
To reach the Schoolhouse, continue along the same trail/road for another 1.5 miles. This makes a good backpacking destination. The schoolhouse is at the junction of the Manzana River and the Sisquoc river.
Total distance: Schoolhouse: 17 miles round trip. Cabin: 14 miles round trip.