big basin redwoods state park

I have been planning a trip to the west coast for months and this was supposed to be one of the highlights. Visited park today and what a let down ! First $10 to park - which I was totally OK with at first. I realize that there are several long trails for people who are physically in great shape. However I am disabled and had planned to do the easy loop which was supposed to have the 2 largest trees in the park. Even at a leisurely pace this only took 30 min. and the trees looked nothing like pictures and what you see on TV. You could actually see Redwoods almost as big along the main road. So if you are in wonderful shape and explore the 5 or 8 mile trails you might get your money's worth. But for me , sorry - it was a total waste of time and money.

This park is a must do, if you are traveling up and down the coast road in CA. It has spectacular Redwoods and it reminds me of Olympic National Park in WA. It is a stunning forest, green and lush, covered with moss. You will feel like you stepped into a fairytale world while you are hiking. We hiked to Berry Creek Falls, which was spectacular to see. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time for that hike, it's 8 mile roundtrip. There is a nice coffee shop/gift shop but it's only open on weekends. The gift shop should carry a few more items. The clerk in the coffee shop was very helpful and gave us the crumb cake that they were going to throw away at the end of the day at no cost. We stayed at the campground in our tent. The showers were not heated at all, so that was too chilly for us.

Even if you take the short tour (less than one mile or so?), this is a one of-a-kind experience. Just take the time to sit in front of the father or the mother of the forest and realize that these trees were already there in Year Zero; during the Roman Empire; when Columbus discovered America for the Europeans; .......Makes me feel very little and humble....

Beautiful, Beautiful....what a wonderful park, peaceful and a nice hike or stroll along the trail across from the visitor center. My friend had a torn ACL but with her knee brace on she was able to with stand this hike because of the flat surface. The park was very crowded the day we were there, being a Saturday and quite warm for January but the only down side was the lack of parking with so many people. We would like to go back and hike some of the other trails on our next visit to California.

This little gem of a state park is definitely worth a little extra time to get here. Although very nice also, the nearby Henry Cowell State Park in Felton, CA can get a bit crowded sometimes. If you want a little less people and a little more peace and quiet for your Redwoods experience you should try Big Basin. As an added bonus there a many more scenic vistas at Big Basin and on a clear day you can easily see the Pacific in the distance from numerous spots. Traveler's tip: approach the park (on 236) from the South (from Boulder Creek), if you come in from the North (also 236) it is a much more difficult drive with many portions of the road being one lane width only.

I go to this park on a regular basis. At least a couple times a year for the last 25 years. The top of the park is reached from route 9 and is the main park entrance. This is a great place for big trees, GREAT smoothies and there is camping, day use and some cabins. A visit to the top is accessible, and not a lot of physical work. Usually I go to the beach entrance along Waddle Creek. There is a restricted road that the park shares with adjacent organic farms for the first couple miles. There are hike in (or bike in) campsites with no services along the trail. There are some hiking options where bikes are not allowed. Some more open, and the main one getting progressively more wooded and more dominated by redwoods. Eventually the road is no longer passible by car as it is old and eroded in places. The foot, bike and horse paths are all serviceable. There are many redwood groves. One needs to be willing to walk a few miles, but the going is mostly easy, the inclines not to sharp and I am in no way an athlete and do it easily. There is no way to get this way in with a wheelchair. I like to head towards the waterfalls. Berry Creek falls. Not a lot of water at any time but some water almost all the time. The small ravine that the falls are in are moist and filled with giant coastal redwood. Note that the bike is not allowed on the last mile of this trail. There is a bike stand where one can chain it up, city style and it is a short walk to the falls from there. Great place to have lunch, take a moment and then turn around and head back. You are only about half way to the top and the park entrance from here. Warning. The round trip from bottom to top is about 25 miles and is a bit much for a day hike. If you are like me and want to look, listen and take photos, it is way to long. I once did it and got back to the beach after dark with a parking ticket and serious aggression for my troubles. (No the park rangers do not worry about your well being, they are in fact a bit aggressive and at least one belongs back in Bagdad) If you want to hike the whole park, I suggest one way, from the top and have a car pick you up at the bottom. It is an easy trail, but it is a solid 12 miles. It is very easy to make the trip up to the falls on bike and walking the last bit, have lunch, and then be back to grab dinner on the coast. Davenport is nearby and has a great little bakery/eatery. North on 1 there is a brewery at Gazos Creek, just before the Pidgin Point light house. Just north of Waddle Creek is Año Nuevo State Park, breeding grounds of the elephant seal. A fun place to visit, reservation required. North of the Gazos Creek/Pidgin Point area is the town of Pescadero with eats, a thrift shop, gas station and little else. This is a great place for a day trip in an area with a lot of other great places for a day trip with a partner, kids old enough to bike or walk a distance and to go alone.

Closest place to Silicon Valley to appreciate the huge redwoods that built the West. Have been visiting since I was a kid, took my children and now my Grandchildren. Great for day trips, evenings in the summer and camping with reservations. The Rangers campfire programs in the evenings are great for the kids and you'll find yourself surrounded by people from around the world. Short, wheelchair friendly trail to trails to waterfalls and the ocean. A very special place. Rule of thumb while driving there "Lead, follow or get out of the way!"

During a recent trip out west, made our way up the coast and visited this one AM. February isn't the busy season, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. Good news was that the redwoods are amazing... bad news was that the weather was gray, foggy, and prevented us from seeing anything distant. Will make the trip out here next time we're out.. Recommended.

If you like old growth forest and peaceful surroundings come and see! I don't visit frequently enough but even just the drive thru is worthwhile.

Took the least traveled trail of the day...the Meteor Trail. A good mixture of Redwoods and lots of fungi. The climb to Ocean View Summit reminded me that I need to get out more, but successfully climbed the1600ft to enjoy a light lunch and view above the trees. The trails are well marked and maintained which was great. Take the Redwood loop at the Ranger Station...everyone does it but you get to see one of the oldest trees in the park.

Ok, You're visiting the Bay Area on a family trip or vacation. You've seen the expected sights in San Francisco, maybe traveled to Sausalito or Napa Valley. But have you taken the time to see one of the most breathtaking natural wonders on this earth? Ancient coast Redwood Forests???We're not talking about Muir Woods or other little redwood groves that have a few large trees, but too many have already been logged once and are mere second growth sprouts. No, we are talking about the grand behomoths here. Groves and miles of endless Ancient, Never logged, Forests of Redwood that will leave you astonished and in wonderment of the power of Mother Nature. Trees 350' high standing together with trunks as big as small homes. Living things that pre-date Jesus' time on earth, and they are still growing.Big Basin is a California State Park. I believe $10 entrance fee. There are a couple of very nice family friendly exhibits/museums to visit, some food service, picnicking facilities available (get there early or on a weekday), and my favorite, a one mile, flat, loop trail that escorts you to 3 of the biggest trees in the world, and 80+ miles of hiking trails into the wilderness. If you visit in winter or spring, there are several waterfalls fairly easily accessible, and a couple of spectacular falls that require a longer hike.If you've never seen Coast Redwoods (different than the Sierra Redwoods) and are traveling through the Bay Area, consider this a Must See. You are cheating yourself out of one of life's truly awe inspiring moments if you miss the opportunity for a leisurely visit to an Old Growth Redwood Forest.Park is 1-1/2 hours south of San Francisco. Take I-280 to Hwy 84 west. Turn south on Hwy 35 until you junction with Hwy 9. Take Hwy 9 southwest until you hit the well marked road (Hwy 236) to Big Basin State Park.

The drive into the park in filled with twists, turns, and narrow roads but once you make it through you will see the beauty nature has provided us. The park has many trails, several which are steep. Make sure to start the day early if it is winter and that you plan out your trail walk before you arrive at the park.

This was my first visit to the park and I loved it. Some of the trees are very old and enormous but also at the same time, reminds how delicate the entire place is. We took the redwood park and sequoia trail. Redwood trail is the easiest one - 1/2 mile and no elevation. We had reached by evening so didn't have much time to explore other parts of the park. The park isn't that far from bay area. It took me around an hour of driving. I took CA9, CA236 to reach the place. CA236 was less fun for my family since the roads were winding and had many blind curves. Try staying on the right side of the road (esp. when driving curves). Parking was $10.

Very friendly staff, lovely sights of nature, really well taken care of... A must while visiting north California

Growing up in the Bay Area we spent every summer camping in Big Basin! Such an amazing beautiful place. Recently revisited there on a family vacation and was impressed with all the upgrades to the bathrooms and how well it has been maintained over the years. The amphitheater is always fun in the evenings and hiking the trails are very enjoyable. Nice paths and easy for all including wheelchairs and strollers. Little gift shop/convenience store on site. There is a parking fee for day use as well as fees for camping. Still love this place 40 years later.