Description

Redwoods are a natural staple of the Bay Area.

Waterfalls, on the other hand, are not so common, especially big ones.

This loop in Big Basin Redwoods State Park happens to have both big trees and big waterfalls, making it one of the best hikes in the area for lovers of either.

And who doesn’t love them? You’ll pass four distinct waterfalls on Berry Creek, the tallest of which about 60 feet.

They flow with an impressively during winter and after heavy rain, and they have at least some water year round.

The hike is through some of the most intact old growth left in the region.

It’s seemingly overflowing with life, nourished by moisture and shelter beneath the trees.

Moss and ferns cling to every surface, damp soil springs underfoot, wildflowers bloom, birds flit around, and banana slugs slide through the leaves. This loop uses Skyline to Sea Trail and Sunset Trail to reach Berry Creek Falls.

The loop is good in either direction, but is mapped here as clockwise, starting with Skyline to Sea.

This way, you’ll have a long and gradual descent through particularly lush and tall forest along a creek, then begin an ascent facing the waterfalls.

After that, it’s a series of ups and downs to return on Sunset Trail, with a few nice views of the surrounding forest from ridgeline clearings.

A slightly shorter alternative is to hike back the way you came after seeing the falls, instead of completing the full loop. Note that the trails become significantly more difficult in wet conditions because of mud and high-water crossings.

Bridges may be removed and trails may be closed when the creeks swell, so check with the ranger station for updates before you set out. Sources: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28975 https://openspacetrust.org/hike/berry-creek-falls/ https://socalhiker.net/hiking-to-berry-creek-falls-in-big-basin-redwoods-state-park/