State: California
Location: Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Length, One-Way: 10 miles
Minimum Elevation: 100 feet
Maximum Elevation: 500 feet
Elevation Change: 400 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Moderate
Donner Lake
Trail Information
The hike to Berry Creek Falls affords park visitors perhaps the best opportunity to experience the wide range of habitats represented in Big Basin.
The Skyline to the Sea Trail takes you deep into the heart of the park, through redwood and tanoak groves, along fern-rich creeks and madrone stands, right to the foot of the falls. This 4- to 5-hour-roundtrip hike begins across the street from park headquarters.
Pick up the Skyline to the Sea Trail after crossing the bridge at Opal Creek (directly across from park headquarters). Go to the left as soon as you cross the bridge. Almost immediately, you’ll find yourself standing in front of the Santa Clara Tree, the widest measured tree in the park. Watch closely for the trail to continue to the right under a large fallen tree less than 1/4 mile from the bridge. If you come to Hihn Hammond Road, you’ve gone too far. Stay on Skyline to the Sea the entire way to Berry Creek Falls; the trails are well marked. Along the way, you’ll cross two bridges, one at Kelly Creek and one at West Waddell Creek.
During the rainy season, the bridge at West Waddell Creek can wash out, preventing access to the falls. If the bridge is out, take the Timms Creek Trail to the Sunset Trail to reach the top of the falls (route C above). Hike down the trail to the lower falls.
Directions
Park at the Waddell Beach parking area off Highway 1.
Popularity: 2% [?]
|
|
