Redwoods hike in the rain. We were in a cabin in the area and went out in a short window when the…read morerain wasn't so bad. The good thing about coming in the rain is no one else is around, we were the only ones on the windy roads and the only ones here. We did the bridge trail since the Tarwater trail was closed, wanted the kids to see the natural tar in the water and know why you shouldn't drink too much of the water from this area. The stream is full and alive during the rain and even the drive to here and back was epic. We came for redwoods and water but if you go on certain trails you can see the abandoned cabin and an old industrial water tank. There are amazing views of clouds and trees mixed together during this season. We stopped many times to take pictures of all this. We didn't see any animals because of the rain but the kids enjoyed seeing the different mushrooms, ferns along the creek, and looking for four leaf clovers.

Love this park! So glad San Mateo county parks used Pescadero Creek as part of the 2024 Take a…read morehike challenge. We've been back twice since going for the first time in February or March. Beautiful redwoods throughout the park. We tried the Pomponio trail; unfortunately all bridges over the creek are washed out so we weren't able to complete the loop trail. Regardless, hiking here is wonderful. Lots of banana slugs, a few cool spider webs, but still no elusive newts although I know they're there. We'll try the Pomponio trail again later this year once the creek flow has significantly reduced. Park at Memorial park, use the bathroom before (and after) starting, then walk about 5 minutes to the Old Haul Road trailhead

Berry Creek Falls is absolutely stunning! If you're coming to Big Basin Redwoods State Park and…read moreyou've never hiked to the falls, you MUST do it. Don't come all the way out here and miss out on this gorgeous waterfall. We did an 8 mile out and back hike to the falls via the Skyline to Sea Trail. The hike is moderate and begins on a downhill slope into the forest. Going down is always the easiest part for me, especially when a trail starts off descending. The real challenge is going back up once you reach the falls. It's nothing too strenuous but I'd definitely bring plenty of water and bug spray because there are lots of bugs on the trail. The trail itself is mostly shaded and features an abundance of beautiful redwoods, vibrantly green foliage, and scenic viewpoints. The waterfall is definitely the highlight of the hike! The falls were still flourishing in mid-July which worked out for us because we were able to take full advantage of the scene. When you make it up to the falls, there's a small deck area with two benches where you can sit and enjoy the picturesque views of the falls. Surprisingly, it wasn't too crowded on a Saturday afternoon in mid July. You may have to wait your turn to take a picture next to the falls. People were really courteous and didn't spend too much time which allowed for others to capture the moment. Bring your lunch and take a break here before continuing on your hike back. The scenery is so amazing here. Definitely recommend a hike to Berry Creek Falls is you're visiting Big Basin Redwood State Park.

AMAZING PLACE…read more Beautiful views and scenery. We did the Redwood Trail to the Skyline to the Sea to the Berry Creek Falls to the Sunset back to the parking lot. There are so many beautiful waterfalls along the trail. Some parts of the trail near the falls are muddy so wear good hiking shoes Note: This is a long trail (11 miles). Pack water and lunch and stay on the trail. You pay for parking with the rangers (10$ cash or card). Bathrooms at the park entrance are nice!

I went there for part of the day and saw a dense redwood forest and fairly shady and a stream There…read moreare a couple of trails as you walk on the main road and I had no problem parking

Planned out a day trip including a stop at Pescadero first followed by a hike at Butano State Park…read more The park itself is quite small and cozy and it's easy to see why it's often referred to as one of the least known California State Parks, because you really do have to make an effort to come here. That being said, the road to the park is quite well paved and there should be no trouble accessing it. We unfortunately visited the park during one of the controlled burns. I would not recommend visiting at those times because the smell of smoke lingers for quite some time even though we visited over a week after the burn ended. There was even one area of the park that was still smoking. It's also sad to see the extensive damage from the CZU fire that ripped through this area back in 2020. But overall there are still tons of beautiful redwoods and the trails are well maintained. Also not many people visit this park so you'll have plenty of peace and quiet on the trails!

Considered a hidden gem by cognizant locals. The public entrance is somewhat obscured by a…read morebusiness at the end of Green Hills Road (parking in their lot should be a non-issue on weekends; this is expected as there is really no alternative). Occasional mountain lions in the area; they are generally invisible, but to be safe ... do not hike after dark. You can just do the loop trail, or add some hiking distance using the (nearly) intersecting maintenance road at the top of the loop. I say "nearly" as there is a short connecting trail (less than 20 yds long). There is a giant green cell tower on a short spur road (keep turning right and you'll get there). For the curious, the maintenance road is an easement off private property (locked gate!) that is used by park people, SVWD, fire, police, and so forth.

So going into this hike we had high spirits and a positive attitude. Leaving however I felt like…read moreSatan him self came down and stung my ass from how many wasp attacked me and my friends, which btw gave me a free eyebrow piercing I never asked for. If u want to take someone u despise I would recommend taking them there and leaving them. P.s tell them to wear full black.

The trail is really a collection of trails all over the Half Moon Bay area. You can jump on the…read moretrail quit and find it again miles from your last location. Most of the trail is paved and level making it a highly enjoyable family walk.

Lovely walk, with amazing views of the coast, would thoroughly recommend to others, great for kids,read more

Beautiful fall colors…read more Wonderful little walk through the very quiet forest Different types of mushrooms everywhere! Banana slugs!

Sam McDonald Park was such a pleasant surprise! I loved the variety of trails and the peaceful,…read moreremote feel of the area. Parking was easy, though it's tucked away enough that you could easily pass by if you don't know it's there. Does have restrooms. Overall, a beautiful spot--I really enjoyed my time here!

Tucked along the Santa Cruz County coast near Davenport, this 5,800-acre land of the California…read moreCoastal National Monument just opened to the public. It is quite magical and special! What you will find are wildly diverse landscapes of Redwood groves, coastal bluffs, grasslands, and wildflowers all in one hike. There is steelhead in the streams, mountain lions in the hills, hawks overhead, and yes, even grazing cows This places offer several trails which will fit almost for everyone. Easy loops like Hawk Trail and Tree Trail, and tougher trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Permit required for horses and some certain bikes on some trails. There's a secret hidden gem as a way to access to undeveloped pocket beaches like Shark Fin Cove. Huge free parking lot! Dogs are welcome on leash. Cotoni Coast Daries is relatively new to the public alr iconic. If you love the California coast, this is a must-see. Don't sleep on it.

We were excited to explore a new trail in the area that is also dog friendly! We had prepared to do…read moreboth the Hawk (Káknu) and Tree (Huyya) trails but decided to stick to the Hawk (Káknu) only. It's exposed and quite dusty so plan accordingly -- primarily sun protection. There were friendly hikers and bikers on the trail and the views were quite beautiful! I also appreciated many of the bench's set up along the trails too. The restrooms were clean. The only thing I wished for was a sink or some way to wash hands at the restroom area.

Visited Skyline on a Saturday in July at 9am! Decided to do the Horseshoe lake, Alpine pond, and…read moreBorel Hill trail counterclockwise and the parking lot was right by the trailhead. Trail was well-maintained and there were markers throughout. Didn't encounter too many other people. Nice views of the Bay Area - the park is high up so it was cool being above the clouds! Took me about 2 hours and 30 min to finish and I would say the hike was easy-moderate! The roads leading up to the park are a bit windy so just be mindful of that. Would recommend to those looking for beginner friendly hikes!

This is a great space for stargazing and panaromic views of the bay area. I wish the drive to get…read morethere wasn't as hard as it is.