Backpacking Big Basin Redwoods
May 21, - 23, 2017
A 3-Day / 2-Night Backpacking trip through the Big Basin Redwoods State Park. From Big Basin HQ.
Day 1:
We hiked from Big Basin HQ (Hwy 236) on the Sunset Trail to Sunset Camp. It was about a 6 mile trek with some climbs along the way. We passed over a few bridges and hiked along creeks. Our campsite was very remote and only one other site was occupied. After setting up camp, we relaxed and chatted until the mosquitoes took over. We all went into Christina's tent and continued great conversation and shared stories.
Day 2:
We were looking forward to seeing Berry Creek Falls and since Skyline to the Sea trail was closed due to trail damage, we were going to hike down to the falls and then back up and head out the way we came in on Sunset Trail. HOWEVER....after hiking down Berry Creek Falls, we decided to keep going onto the Howard King Trail. The ranger said it was about a 7 mile hike from the falls back to HQ. We were wanting to see some new scenery and hike a different trail. Well, well, well... vertical climb after vertical climb (for about 4 miles) we were looking forward to getting to Mt. McAbee Overlook. Step after step, we wondered if there really was a lookout? Surely we should have reached it... we have gone 6 miles already. We finally reached the lookout and took off our backpacks and enjoyed lunch. We were all getting tired. We saw a hiker at the lookout who said it was about 5 miles back to HQ. We thought she was mistaken, afterall the ranger said it was a total of 7 miles. So we trekked on as we kept watching our mileage marker rise. We finally made it to Jay camp after a 11 mile hike! Jay camp was delightful. We had a fire pit, hot showers and clean bathrooms. The shower was awesome after such a strenuous hike! After gathering wood and setting up camp, we enjoyed a wonderful fire, delicious appetizers and plenty of wine.
Day 3:
We built another fire in the morning and relaxed with coffee. We packed up and headed out of Big Basin Redwoods and made our way to Saratoga where we enjoyed cheeseburgers at the Big Basin Burger Bar. Two days of hiking = 17 miles.
Day 1:
We hiked from Big Basin HQ (Hwy 236) on the Sunset Trail to Sunset Camp. It was about a 6 mile trek with some climbs along the way. We passed over a few bridges and hiked along creeks. Our campsite was very remote and only one other site was occupied. After setting up camp, we relaxed and chatted until the mosquitoes took over. We all went into Christina's tent and continued great conversation and shared stories.
Day 2:
We were looking forward to seeing Berry Creek Falls and since Skyline to the Sea trail was closed due to trail damage, we were going to hike down to the falls and then back up and head out the way we came in on Sunset Trail. HOWEVER....after hiking down Berry Creek Falls, we decided to keep going onto the Howard King Trail. The ranger said it was about a 7 mile hike from the falls back to HQ. We were wanting to see some new scenery and hike a different trail. Well, well, well... vertical climb after vertical climb (for about 4 miles) we were looking forward to getting to Mt. McAbee Overlook. Step after step, we wondered if there really was a lookout? Surely we should have reached it... we have gone 6 miles already. We finally reached the lookout and took off our backpacks and enjoyed lunch. We were all getting tired. We saw a hiker at the lookout who said it was about 5 miles back to HQ. We thought she was mistaken, afterall the ranger said it was a total of 7 miles. So we trekked on as we kept watching our mileage marker rise. We finally made it to Jay camp after a 11 mile hike! Jay camp was delightful. We had a fire pit, hot showers and clean bathrooms. The shower was awesome after such a strenuous hike! After gathering wood and setting up camp, we enjoyed a wonderful fire, delicious appetizers and plenty of wine.
Day 3:
We built another fire in the morning and relaxed with coffee. We packed up and headed out of Big Basin Redwoods and made our way to Saratoga where we enjoyed cheeseburgers at the Big Basin Burger Bar. Two days of hiking = 17 miles.