Big Basin Redwoods State Park

The finest remaining old growth, redwood forest in the Bay Area is in this 15,000-acre park. Some of the redwoods are over 1500 years old, and taller than the length of a football field. While Marin County's Muir Woods attracts busloads of tourists, Big Basin offers serenity and solitude. The park stretches from the ridge tops of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the beaches of the Pacific Ocean. The state park was established in 1902 to protect a virgin grove that remains to this day.

Near the park headquarters is the "Mother of the Forest," a 329-foot tall, 2,000 year old tree, and the "Father of the Forest," that has a circumference of 70-feet. Highly recommended is a 10-11M looped trail that will take you by four and a half enchanting waterfalls, the Berry Creek, Cascade, Silver and Golden Falls. Take the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail to the Berry Creek Falls Trail, nothing can compare to this 70-foot natural spectacle. In another mile lies another series of cascades, the Silver Falls has steps that allows you to physically be down below the fall, right next to the roaring gushes of water, fortunately, there is a handrail to steady yourself. You may need to cross a fallen tree that stretches across the creek just in front of the waterfall, it is wet and slick-and at least a 20-foot fall into the creek bed below. Continuing up to the set of falls known as the Golden Falls Cascade, you can observe the water flowing over the iron-stained rocks, giving them their golden color.

The run to the falls is generally downhill and fast. The path is well maintained, and the redwood duff makes a soft, low-impact surface that feels great on your knees and feet. Remember that the return loop is mostly uphill, much of it is easier to power walk, especially if the conditions are soggy and slippery.

Tips:

This trail sounds straightforward and simple to follow, ha! Perhaps in the drier seasons, the trail is not washed out and the markings are better. There would also be more pedestrian traffic to follow, or to ask for help navigating. The trail has several connector routes that can be confusing, and there is the possibility of making a treacherous wrong turn at the end of the waterfalls trying to get on the Sunset Trail to return. There was no marker at this junction, and the wrong turn will take you on a mile or two goose chase with a steep climb that adds another 1000-feet to your elevation. When this was reported to the park ranger at headquarters, she was generally unconcerned. Usually, Bay Area park rangers are extremely helpful and gladly share their knowledge to enhance your experience, however; the rangers at Big Basin seemed bothered by visitor's questions. Be sure to study the trail map carefully, a simple wrong turn can add over an hour to your run if the conditions are poor. Generally, if the trail seems too challenging for the recreational hiker, you are probably off the designated path.

The wettest months are the best times to see the waterfalls in all their glory. Usually they flow year-round because the park encompasses an entire watershed. In the early spring the park is extraordinarily lush after a wet winter. You can easily experience a range of microclimates ranging from very cool from the canopied forest to the sometimes-sunny coast. Expect to slog through some muddy, gushy patches, and jumping across creek beds. Trail running shoes are ideal. Although it may be raining, the forest canopy provides a protective shell. Still, it is very humid, almost like a rainforest climate, so be prepared to get wet. Tights and gloves are a good idea if you are klutzy and prone to slips and falls. Dress in layers, and have a dry shirt or change of clothes available when you return. Be sure to take your insoles out of your shoes to allow them to dry thoroughly when you get home.

Allow plenty of time for your run. The 10M loop has an estimated 6-hour completion time for hikers; for running, allow at least 3-4 hours, more if the conditions are difficult. Be sure to allow enough time to finish before 5 P.M., the trail is mostly shaded and it becomes dark quickly. Spend time enjoying the grandeur of the falls, eat some food, and take a Camelbak. You will want to feel strong for the uphill return to the park headquarters.

I don't recommend this ride because it is a grunt, there are few bike lanes, and the roads are very narrow and winding, with heavy, speedy, auto traffic. It covers over 2,000-feet of climbing, twice. In the summer, it is hot and the second climb out of Boulder Creek can be grueling. Most people I have spoken to about this ride agree. However, it is not without merits, the route through Big Basin is a delight, and the town of Boulder Creek has some nice people.

Start at Wildwood Park on 4th Street and Highway 9 in downtown Saratoga. Go west on Highway 9 for 13M. You may want to warm up a bit, Highway 9 comes up quickly and climbs 1900-feet in 7.4M. While in downtown Saratoga, stop in the Saratoga Bike shop and meet Craig, and maybe take that Kestral you have been lusting for on a spin.

Right on Highway 236 at junction. 16.2M summit.

Straight on Highway 236 at China Grade junction. Continue to Big Basin Redwoods State Park headquarters. 21M.

Left at stop sign onto Highway 9 in Boulder Creek. 30.6M. Descent is nice.

Right on Bear Creek Road immediately after crossing Bear Creek Bridge. Begin 4.1M climb, summit at 39.8M Grade is reasonably steep, (8% grade) for a few miles, then levels out to 5%.

Left on Summit Road, road widens and becomes Skyline Boulevard. Summit at 3,000 feet, 47.2M. This is a narrow, one lane road that I was hit on by a truck barreling down as I was going up a blind corner. Extreme caution should be taken, motorists in this area are not bicycle friendly.

Right on Highway 9, return to Saratoga, 57.3M.

Facilities:

Park headquarters has a visitor's center with maps and books. There is no food or pay phones, and your cellular might be out of range. There is a store nearby, but it is closed during the winter. (408) 338-8860.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

Directions:

I-280 south to Highway 85 in Cupertino.

Take 85 to Highway 9 south, then follow the winding Highway 236 into the park.

Tri home.