The 11.5-mile loop hike from Big Basin Redwoods State Park headquarters to Berry Creek, Silver, and Golden Falls is considered by many to be the best hike in the Bay Area. Take an entire day and enjoy the waterfalls and remote old-growth redwood groves, stopping often to appreciate the wonderful variety of scenery. Big Basin has the best display of large redwood trees in the Bay Area, far superior to the more famous Muir Woods.
I usually do this hike in late March or early April, when the falls are at their peak. This year, however, I hiked the Skyline-to-the Sea Trail/Berry Creek Trail/Sunset Trail loop on June 21, the longest day of the year. Because of unusual heavy rain on June 2 and 4, the falls are still going strong. Because the temperature was in the 80's we cooled off under Silver and Golden Falls. Access to Berry Creek Falls is restricted to protect vegetation. I hiked with my friend Keith and his kids, Steven and Mariah.
If you have some extra energy, take the .6-mile Redwood Trail loop near park headquarters. It will take you to some of the biggest trees in the park, including The Father of the Forest, which is probably the biggest tree in the Bay Area.
TO GET THERE... from Skyline Boulevard take Highway 9 southwest and turn west on Highway 236 at Waterman Gap or at Boulder Creek. The hike begins at the "Redwood Trail" sign next to the parking lot.
