Published in the Oct. 2-15, 2013 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Mike Monroe
Martin Murphy, Sr. and his large family traveled to the Mexican territory of California by wagon train in 1844, crossing the Sierra
Mike Monroe
mountain range and arriving here in early 1845. The pioneer was enthralled with the abundance and beauty of the southern Santa Clara Valley and purchased El Rancho Ojo del Agua de la Coche from Don Juan Hernandez.
In this month’s hike, I encourage you to put yourself in Murphy’s boots as you stroll around his ranch early on a calm, crisp October morning. Enjoy the quiet of the place as you gaze across the valley floor with clear views of El Toro, Mt. Hamilton, Lion Peak and Mt. Madonna. Listen as the birds sing their new day songs and watch as the raptors soar over the flat and ridges.
What’s now the 4,595-acre Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park was a region favored by the native people because of the plentiful availability of water from numerous springs, as well as the many oak trees that supplied acorns for their diet.
Originally when he came to the Santa Clara Valley, Murphy lived in Don Juan Hernandez’s former adobe home near where Murphy Spring Road is located today in Morgan Hill. After a few years, the Irish settler found a good opportunity to move to a larger homestead close to the eastern foothills in San Martin to enjoy his expanding land holdings and cattle grazing operations.
After Murphy, a series of ranchers owned the property to graze their cattle. In 1960, rancher Harvey Bear was the last one to purchase the Murphy’s home ranch site. His heirs conveyed the property to Santa Clara County Parks in 1997 to be used for outdoor recreation by the public. Harvey Bear Ranch shares the foothills with Coyote Lake Park and the Mendoza Ranch, forming a wonderful expanse of open space lands. We have an oasis of timelessness in our midst.
Join me on Sunday Oct. 6 and share your thoughts about local history and landscapes during this pleasant walk on the Martin Murphy Trail. Bring your questions and experiences and be prepared for a most relaxing and peaceful time.
Mike Monroe is a local business owner and amateur naturalist. He is docent for Santa Clara County parks and an Adopt-a-Creek member. Morgan Hill Life encourages everyone to enjoy the abundant opportunities to explore our great outdoors.
Harvey Bear Ranch Hike
Date: Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013
Time 9 to 10 a.m., rain cancels.
Meet: Picnic table area adjacent to Harvey Bear Ranch County Park Trailhead/Parking Lot.
Rating: Easy 2-mile walk on flat surface.
Directions: U.S. 101 to San Martin Avenue, travel east 2 miles. Park entrance is on the left just before New Avenue.
Contact: Mike Monroe (408) 234-6377
