Suggested point of visit:
Link
Waterfall Loop, Big Basin Redwoods State Park,
National Park Service, Santa Cruz County
In brief:
Redwoods, creeks, and waterfalls -- that's what this loop is all about.
Distance, category, and difficulty:
This 11 mile loop hike is strenuous, with considerable and constant elevation change, adding up to about 2000 feet overall.
Get comfortable boots with protection;
Exposure:
Mostly shaded; a good summer hike.
Sun lotion optional in other words;
Trail traffic:
Very heavy around park headquarters, otherwise moderate.
Trail surfaces:
Dirt trails, with one short, steep scramble downhill over rock steps at Silver Falls.
Hiking time:
6 hours (this is extremely variable -- many hike it in 4 hours or less, while others may take all day).
All of us are agile people (ready for "Iron Man/Woman" competition), consider 4 hours;
Camel bags and may be some power bars if you plan to have light breakfast;
Season:
Good all year -- waterfalls at peak in late winter and spring.
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).
Map
Gas, food, and lodging:
There is some food available in the park, including a seasonal snack bar. More options in nearby Boulder Creek, where you can also gas up. Big Basin has several campgrounds, tent cabins, and a few backpack camps.
Trailhead details:
Pay the $6 day use fee at the entrance station or park headquarters. Toilets and drinking water are available at the trailhead. The park map is available (for $2) at park headquarters.
Rules:
Most trails are open to hikers and equestrians. Bikes are only permitted on fire roads. Some trails are designated hiking only. Dogs are not permitted on trails (leashed dogs are allowed on paved park roads).
The Official Story:
CSP's Big Basin page.
Big Basin Info (recording) 831-338-8860
Map Choices:
• Use AAA's San Francisco Bay Region map to get there.
• The official Big Basin map (available at the park) is most helpful, particularly for the detail of the park headquarters, which helps to find the trails.
As promised, ice cream after party will be here:
Kicks Cookies and Ice Cream
(650) 424-0494
cookiesandicecream.com
898 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95126
Map
Now, plan is the following:
1. Meeting at 8 there (+/- 0:15), done by 12:00; leave early, its about 1:30-2:00 drive (depends on speed ;) );
2. Driving to Ice Cream place - 1:20;
3. Done with it by 13:00;
4. Around 14:00 back at home;
Brake down cost:
Fuel (4.00 per gal, est. 120 avrg.) - 24.00$
Park fee (6.00 per person) - 6.00$
IceCream(5.00 per person) -5.00$
______________________________
Total 35.00$
Weather
Suggestions and comments are welcome.
Oleks
