Big Basin Redwoods State Park Waterfall Loop
Featured hike
Mile:
0.0: Start from the path to the left of the Campfire Center, following the signs
to Skyline to the Sea Trail. After crossing Opal Creek on a little bridge, you'll
reach a T junction with Skyline to the Sea Trail. Turn right toward Dool and Sunset
trails.
0.3: Junction. Skyline to the Sea continues to the north, on its way to Castle
Rock State Park. Turn left, onto Dool Trail.
0.4: Junction with Sunset Trail. Turn left.
0.9: Sunset Trail crests at the junction with Middle Ridge Road. Continue across
the fire road on Sunset Trail
1.1: A connector to Skyline to the Sea departs on the left. Continue straight
on Sunset Trail.
3.9: Timms Creek Trail begins to the left as Sunset Trail makes a sharp turn right.
Timms Creek Trail, which leads to Skyline to the Sea Trail, is a good bail-out
route for hikers who are ready to return to the trailhead. Continue to the right
on Sunset Trail.
5.5: The trail to Sunset Camp breaks off to the right -- continue straight, now
on Berry Creek Falls Trail.
6.7: Junction. Turn left onto Skyline to the Sea Trail.
7.9: Timms Creek Trail crosses the creek on the left, at the confluence of West
Waddell and Kelly Creek. Continue straight on Skyline to the Sea Trail.
9.0: The connector to Sunset Trail heads uphill to the left -- continue straight
on Skyline to the Sea Trail.
9.5: Skyline to the Sea Trail crosses Middle Ridge Fire Road. Continue straight
on Skyline to the Sea Trail.
10.6: Bear left at a fork, toward park headquarters.
10.9: Back to the hike's first junction. Turn right, cross Opal Creek, and return
to the trailhead.
11.0: Back at the trailhead.
Getting there:
From I-280 in Santa Clara County, exit onto CA 85 south. After about 4.5 miles,
exit #14 onto Saratoga Avenue. Drive west about 2 miles into Saratoga and the
junction with Saratoga-Sunnyvale, then continue straight on Big Basin Way/CA 9.
Drive uphill on 9 for about 7 miles to the Saratoga Gap intersection (junction
of 9 and CA 35), then continue straight on CA 9. Drive downhill on 9 for 6 miles,
then turn right onto CA 236. Proceed on this narrow winding road for 8.5 miles
to the park headquarters (left) and parking lots (right).
Read about this hike in more detail and view photos at http://www.bahiker.com/southbayhikes/bigbasin/waterfallloop.html
© 2007 Jane Huber/Bay Area Hiker