Outbound Collective logo

Hike the Berry Creek Falls Loop

Boulder Creek, California

4.8/5
based on 17 reviews

Details

Distance

11 miles

Elevation Gain

2000 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Steven Herbert

This loop is regarded as one of the most beautiful hikes in the Bay Area and takes you past 3 stunning waterfalls.

Nestled in California's oldest state park, the popular Berry Creek Falls Loop hike begins at the Big Basin park headquarters. If you're up for 11 miles, a thousand feet of elevation gain through towering redwoods and along serene creeks, and spread out over a half-day, then this is the hike for you. Veteran Berry Creek Falls hikers recommend a counter-clockwise loop starting on the Sunset Trail, turning left on to the Berry Creek Falls Trail, taking another left onto the Skyline-to-the-Sea trail, which returns to the trailhead.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Forest
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers

Hike the Berry Creek Falls Loop Reviews

A friend and I ended up doing this loop when we went to Big Basin for my birthday a couple of years ago. We had a planned a short hike, but felt inspired by the landscape to keep going. It was a fantastic hike that takes you past really big trees, up some crazy stairs, and gives a good workout. I suggest getting there early in the morning for the cool air, and to miss the larger crowds. The store is a great treat afterward, for sandwiches and wraps.

A small group of us hiked this counter-clockwise based on all the reviews and that was definitely a great suggestion. It's just unfortunate that essentially the first five miles (or last depending on the direction the loop is hiked) that comprises the Sunset Trail doesn't offer much in scenery. We decided to actually jog that part of the trail and then take our time on the remainder of the hike. The waterfalls were flowing this time of year (end of April) and they were beautiful and the Redwoods were stunning in the afternoon light. All-in-all with jogging that first part the loop took us about 4.5 hours.

Such a gorgeous hike through massive redwoods! Guys, If you're looking for a great spot to propose this is the one. My now wife was very happy!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp at Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Hike the Ocean View Summit Loop

Hike the Old Growth Redwoods Trail

Big Basin's Sunset Trail Camp

Hike to Sempervirens Falls

Hike the Sequoia Trail at Big Basin Redwoods SP