Hike the Berry Creek Falls Loop
11 Miles
2000 Feet
Hiking
Intermediate
Year Round
Loop
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.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Nearby Lodging
Serene Redwood Retreat
Ben Lomond, California
Walkabout
Santa Cruz, California
Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds
Pacific Grove, California
Reviews
Overall rating:
Nice intermediate hike
I liked this hike. I took a wrong turn and ended up doing 9 miles hike but it was pretty. Defined do it if you are around
An accidental birthday gift
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.
Beautiful Redwoods and Waterfalls
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.
