Berry Creek Falls
California • 65 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
10.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
2 ft
About Berry Creek Falls
Berry Creek Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California. It is known for its picturesque cascade surrounded by lush redwood forests, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Berry Creek Falls sits at 417 feet within Big Basin Redwoods State Park, in the coastal lowlands of California. The falls drop 65 feet.
Height: 65 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard 10.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 2 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Berry Creek Falls is a challenging but rewarding hike through the heart of Big Basin's redwood forest. The route features steep inclines, switchbacks, and several creek crossings. Hikers are treated to breathtaking views of towering redwoods, ferns, and the cascading waterfall at the end.
What to Expect
The falls drop 65 feet.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Berry Creek Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $10.00
Permit required
Day-use reservations are required for parking at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Permits can be obtained online through the California State Parks reservation system.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Berry Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring is the best time to visit Berry Creek Falls, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Hikers should be prepared for a strenuous hike and carry adequate supplies. Watch for slippery sections, especially near the waterfall. Check for trail closures or hazards before your visit.
Current Water Conditions
2 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 15 years of record
3.88 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BUTANO C NR PESCADERO CA (12 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
2 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
2 cfs
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
2 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
2 cfs
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
2 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
2 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
2 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late January to early April, peaking in January.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Loma Mar hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The ground through the falls loses about 371 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 65 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 419 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 381 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 220 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 419 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 371 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Berry Creek Falls is located within Big Basin Redwoods State Park, which is approximately 1.5 hours from San Jose, California. Visitors typically access the falls via the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Big Basin Redwoods State Park headquarters. However, parking may require a reservation, especially during peak seasons.
Elevation
417 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.169668° N, -122.264692° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight to complete the trail. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and pack snacks. Check the weather and trail conditions before heading out.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This challenging 10.5 miles trail gains 2 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
Where to Stay
Costanoa
Half Moon Bay Lodge
The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains
Fern River Resort
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Santa Cruz, California
Mineral Springs
Mineral Springs flows at 84°F near East Foothills in the Santa Clara Valley foothills, creating a modest 25-degree temperature ...
Alameda Warm Springs
Alameda Warm Springs flows at 80°F (27°C) in Mission Peak Regional Preserve near Milpitas, a modest thermal seep just 20 degree...
Gilroy Hot Springs
Gilroy Hot Springs flows at 106 degrees Fahrenheit within Henry W. Coe State Park, a California Historical Landmark and Nationa...
Sargent Estate Warm Spring
Sargent Estate Warm Spring flows at 77°F in the hills east of Gilroy in the Diablo Range. The modest 19-degree temperature rise...
Crohare Spring
Crohare Spring emerges at 70°F from protected conservation lands near Livermore, flowing barely 9 degrees above ambient tempera...
Sulphur Hot Spring
Sulphur Hot Spring flows at 100 degrees in Monterey County near Seaside at just 36 feet elevation, essentially at-grade with th...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Santa Cruz, California on SoakingSprings.
Explore California springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other nearby attractions include the Redwood Loop Trail, Sempervirens Falls, and the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, banana slugs, and numerous bird species. Be cautious of poison oak along the trail.
Cities near Berry Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Berry Creek Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
Writing about Berry Creek Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.