I usually hike to the waterfalls on Berry Creek in late March or early April, when the volume of water pouring over the falls is at its greatest. This year I hiked this spectacular route in July instead. Though the water flow is diminished, the falls are still quite beautiful. Any time of year this is one of the best hikes in the Bay Area.
This 10.8 mile loop begins at the Big Basin State Park headquarters, where you pay your parking fee. Don't miss the easy Redwood Trail, which loops past some of the biggest Redwoods in the park, including The Father of the Forest tree. Then take the bridge across Opal Creek and follow the signs to the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. Follow this trail up the ridge and then down into the West Waddell Creek watershed, where you will enjoy the sight of many magnificent old-growth redwoods. From there, turn right (north) on the Berry Creek Falls Trail and head upstream a short distance to Berry Creek Falls.
Berry Creek Falls is 4.8 miles from the trailhead, and if you start
your hike about 10 am you should be there about lunch time. There is a wooden platform with benches overlooking the falls that is an ideal place to stop. After lunch, continue uphill, pausing to enjoy Silver Falls and Golden Falls. On a warm day it is good to pour some water over your head before the steep uphill ascent on the Sunset Trail. You will briefly climb above the redwoods onto a chaparral covered ridge top with views into the Berry Creek Canyon. From there, continue east on the Sunset Trail and then turn right on the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail and then return to the trailhead.
TO GET THERE... From Skyline Boulevard take Highway 9 southwest and turn west on Highway 236 at Waterman Gap or at Boulder Creek. Be prepared for a long winding road.
