Hikes in Big Basin Redwoods State Park

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Bay Area Hikes

Hikes in Big Basin Redwoods State Park

1 Jan 2012

Big Basin Redwoods is among the most beautiful redwood parks in the bay area. All routes are wonderful. Trails either menader next to creeks or go through redwood groves or soar along ridges, offering panoramic views of Santa Cruz mountains. I prefer to visit redwoods on a clear day winters, after recent rains. At that time, creeks are gushing with water, making the waterfalls resplendent. First time visitors usually explore trails near Park HQ. One of the best trails is Berry Creek Falls Trail, along which are located three different waterfalls and cascades. Avid hikers may explore routes from the southern entrance (Waddell Beach) and the rarely visited western entrance (Westridge Trail). The routes from both of these entrances are long.

Berry Creek Falls from Park HQ

At 70 ft, Berry Creek is the tallest waterfall in the bay area. A hike to Berry Creek Falls in Big Basin Redwoods is a classic. There are many routes to the falls.

10.0 miles
2200 ft

Berry Creek Falls - Route I

A popular route to Berry Creek Falls, one of the best hikes in the bay area

9.0 miles
1600 ft

Berry Creek Falls - Route II

An alternate route to Berry Creek Falls that is almost as scenic.

12.0 miles
2900 ft

Berry Creek Falls - Route III

A longer route route to Berry Creek Falls, one of the best hikes in the bay area

12.1 miles
2300 ft

Berry Creek Falls - Route IV

A longer route route to Berry Creek Falls, one of the best hikes in the bay area

10.8 miles
2200 ft

Berry Creek Falls - Route V

A longer route route to Berry Creek Falls, one of the best hikes in the bay area

Berry Creek Falls From Waddell Beach

Berry Creek Falls is also approachable from Waddell Beach in the south.

13.0 miles
1500 ft

Berry Creek Falls from Waddell Beach

The shortest route is along Skyline to the Sea Trail, which goes all the way to Berry Creek Falls. Return by the same trail. Skyline to the Sea Trail is gently graded with no steep sections.

15.6 miles
2300 ft

Berry Creek Falls - McAbee Overlook from Waddell Beach

A longer route starting at Waddell Beach. The route to Berry Creek Falls is all along Skyline to the Sea Trail, which meanders through redwoods. The return trip goes through trails quite different in character. Howard King Trail is a steep climb through a forest. McAbee Overlook provides pretty good views of Santa Cruz mountains and even the Pacific. Finally, McRary Ridge Trail goes along a ridge.

Berry Creek Falls from Westridge Trail

A rarely traversed route is from the west entrance of Big Basin Redwoods. About 7 to 8 cars may be parked here. The last 2.5 miles are along a semi-paved road.

16.2 miles
3400 ft

Berry Creek Falls from Westridge Trail

An awesome, long hike through varied terrain. The route includes panoramic views from fire roads and ridge trails, fully shaded trails leading to waterfalls and cascades, creek crossings without bridges.

Berry Creek Falls - Point to Point Hikes

It is possible to do a day hike from Big Basin Park HQ to Waddell Beach, passing through Berry Creek Falls on the way.

11.3 miles
2300 ft

Big Basin to Waddell Creek - Route II