This review should have been done months ago. The Berry Creek Falls Loop is accessible at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. I would classify it as a moderate day hike due to the lenghst, 11+ miles, and a bit of difficult terrain. Also, if you are not camping nearby, and you are driving from 40 miles away, it can be a long day. I recommend aiming to be on the trail around 9 am or earlier. Ideally, you want to complete this hike in the spring or early summer so it’s not too hot and the falls are flowing with plenty of water. When you start out, in the valley full of redwoods, with your day pack, water, trail mix/snacks, you will notice everything gets quiet as you make your way through the trail. Soon, you are going across bridges, through fallen logs, over & under other smaller logs and branches, while criss-crossing creeks. Just past the halfway point and after reaching the highest elevation, 1,000 feet for this trail, you see your first amazing waterfall and pool. This is the first in a series of waterfalls and pools, each larger and more amazing than the next. The trail gets narrow, slippery, wet, and steep making your way down, just inches from the waterfalls. It’s reminds me of Yosemite, yet it feels like you are in Jurassic park from all the green luscious foliage like the amazing ferns bordering the falls. Finally, you get to the last one, possibly 80 feet in height, which makes all the falls maybe 200 – 300 feet total, which you just did in a short amount of time. For this I recommend taking your time, it’s also safer, and bring a camera. Any safe space near or at the falls is a great spot to take a break and have lunch. Afterwards, you climb in elevation a little bit, then the rest of the trail is pretty much easy. A nice reward for all your hard work. Everyone, young and old, should do this hike at least once. I plan on making it a yearly ritual.
