Stories and guides
Around Town
Local guides, history, and practical notes about living in and visiting Boulder Creek.
Why Isn't Boulder Creek a City?
Boulder Creek was an incorporated California city until residents voted to disincorporate in 1915. Here's what happened and what unincorporated means today.
Tree Services in Boulder Creek
Four tree services are based in Boulder Creek. Compare them, plus the C-49 license, workers' comp, and permit checks to run before anyone climbs.
Getting Married in the San Lorenzo Valley: Venues and Local Vendors
Nine verified redwood wedding venues near Boulder Creek, from Brookdale Lodge to Roaring Camp, plus local florists, cakes, catering, DJs, and planners.
Where to Eat Breakfast in Boulder Creek
Three downtown cafes plus Johnnie's deli and Scopazzi's weekend brunch. Here's where to find breakfast in Boulder Creek.
Dinner in Boulder Creek: Every Sit-Down Option in Town
Six sit-down dinner spots in Boulder Creek: Italian, Chinese, sushi, Mexican, and pub fare, with verified hours. Red Pearl runs latest, to 9 p.m.
Where to Find Real Sourdough Around Boulder Creek
Boulder Creek has no walk-in bakery counter. Real sourdough comes from Wildstone at farmers markets, cottage bakers, and valley farm stands. Here's how.
Where to Get a Haircut in and Around Boulder Creek
Three salons cut hair in downtown Boulder Creek, two more in Ben Lomond, and the nearest barbershop is in Felton. Hours, phones, and who's who.
Wildlife Around Boulder Creek: Who You'll Meet and How to Be a Good Neighbor
Deer, turkeys, raccoons, coyotes, and the rare mountain lion all live around Boulder Creek. How to coexist, plus who to call for an injured animal.
Earthquakes in the Santa Cruz Mountains: A Boulder Creek Preparedness Guide
Boulder Creek sits near the San Andreas Fault. Here's the Loma Prieta history, what the shaking risk means, and how to prepare and get alerts.
Poison Oak and the Plants to Avoid on Santa Cruz Mountains Trails
Poison oak grows year-round in the Santa Cruz Mountains, even as bare winter stems. How to identify it, wash off the oil fast, and what else to avoid.
Free Green-Waste Disposal and Vegetation-Clearing in Boulder Creek
How Boulder Creek residents can clear brush for free: the county's no-cost chipping program, District 5 free green-waste disposal days, and curbside pickup, all tied to defensible space.
Why Were There So Many Orange Butterflies in Boulder Creek?
The clouds of orange butterflies over Boulder Creek are painted ladies on their spring migration, driven by a wet winter and a desert wildflower bloom. Here's the story, and whether it'll happen again.
Summer Camps and Kids Classes in the San Lorenzo Valley: The 2026 Guide
Thirty-plus summer camps and kids' classes near Boulder Creek: rec-district day camps, gym, horse, art, nature, and overnight camps, plus when to register.
The BCVFD Crab Feed
The Boulder Creek fire department's crab feed is a late-winter fundraiser: fresh crab, pasta, and salad at the station. Tickets are capped and sell out.
Winter Landslide Warning Signs Around Your Property
How to spot the early warning signs of a landslide or debris flow around a Santa Cruz Mountains home, what they mean, and what to do, before, during, and after a big storm.
What to Do After a Major Storm
The hazards don't end when the rain stops. A Boulder Creek checklist for staying safe after a big storm: downed lines, unstable ground, damage documentation, and delayed slide risk.
Does It Snow in Boulder Creek? Mountain Weather Through the Year
Snow at Boulder Creek town level is a once-in-a-few-years event that melts by lunch. What the mountain weather really brings through the year.
What to Know About Highway 9 During Winter Storms
Highway 9 is Boulder Creek's lifeline, and winter storms can close it with floods, slides, and downed trees. How to read the risk, find detours, and know when not to drive.
How to Drive Mountain Roads: Deer, Fog, Downed Lines, and the Turnout Habit
Deer at dawn, fog in the dips, downed lines, and the turnout habit: how to drive Highway 9 and the Santa Cruz Mountains safely.
Power Outage Plan for Mountain Households
A solid outage plan comes down to five things you set up before the wind picks up: alerts from PG&E and the county, a safe way to run backup power, stored water if you're on a well, a plan for food and medicine, and a habit of checking on neighbors. This covers each one, including generator safety and powered medical equipment.