Big Basin Waterfall and McAbee Loop (01.31.2010)
Meeting at the trailhead where it is a brisk 40 degrees out. But the sun is coming out for the first time in far too long and we're happy to be heading out on the trail.
Skyline to the Sea was closed due to a washed out bridge and fallen old-growth redwoods. So we were told. We made a big loop via the Sunset Trail and Mt McAbee.
When we reached the falls via the longer Sunset Trail we ran into tons of people coming up from the Skyline to Sea trail - turns out the rumors of damage and treacherous terrain were greatly exaggerated. No worries - we had a great loop that gave us some extra miles and climbing along with a peak. I was happy.
The sunset trail is a lovely stroll through the redwoods. Relatively flat and easy for the most part.
Watch out for the banana slugs crossing the road though.
There were a lot of obstacles - the recent storms took out a lot of trees and branches.
Options: over or under?
Um, where's the trail?
Along one of the many creeks throughout the park. Today they all had a lot of water.
Face in the stump
After about 6 miles of hiking we reach the top waterfall, Golden Cascade
There is a good amount of water coming down the falls.
Golden Cascade
Golden Cascade
Sammy finds some colorful fungi
Antony gets in some uncrowded shots
Between Golden Cascade and Silver Falls
The cables help add some stability on the wet rock
The trail pretty much tries to go *over* the falls here.
Trail and cascade
Watch your step
The trail steps away from the falls for a moment
Peeking back at the falls from the trail
At the bottom of the Golden and Silver falls the creek calms for about half a mile before reaching Berry Creek falls
Felt like I was going to run into a group of Ewoks coming down the trail
Berry Creek Falls
Berry Creek Falls
Berry Creek Falls
