The best walks and hikes around Boulder Creek

Immerse yourself in the towering redwoods of Big Basin Redwoods State Park on the Skyline to the Sea and Meteor Trail Loop. This moderate 4.6-mile (7.4 km) hike, with 791 feet (241 metres) of elevation gain, offers a rich forest experience, including a good workout on the Meteor Trail's steep ascent and the chance to glimpse the Pacific from Ocean View Summit. Expect varied terrain, from shaded forest paths to some rocky sections, all within a lush, resilient environment.

Planning your visit means checking Big Basin Redwoods State Park's current status, as sections of the park are still recovering from past fires. Parking is available at the trailhead, but arriving early is a smart move, especially on weekends, to beat the crowds and ensure a spot. This loop is a great alternative if you want to experience the park's iconic redwoods without the longer commitment or potential closures of the traditional Skyline to the Sea Trail.

This loop provides a poignant look at nature's resilience, showcasing new green growth beneath fire-scarred trunks, a testament to the redwood forest's recovery. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter redwood experience away from the park's more crowded waterfall loops, offering a unique blend of ancient forest grandeur and a glimpse into the ongoing ecological restoration of California's oldest state park.

Explore the Fall Creek and Lost Empire Trail Loop, a moderate hike that winds for 7.0 miles (11.3 km) through dense redwood forests. You will gain 1524 feet (465 metres) in elevation, typically completing the route in about 3 hours and 47 minutes. Along the way, the Fall Creek section offers the soothing sounds of rushing water and tranquil pools, while higher points on the Lost Empire Trail provide glimpses of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Be ready for rugged and uneven terrain, including narrow paths and frequent treefall that might require some scrambling. Stream crossings are common, especially in winter when they are often unbridged, so you may need to navigate planks or wade through water during rainy periods. Parking is available at the Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

This route offers a look into the area's past, with historical remnants like the moss-covered Lime Kiln ruins and the Barrel Mill site. You will also see the resilience of the forest, with many second-growth redwoods showing signs of resprouting after the 2020 CZU Lightning Fire. It is a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.

Hike the moderate Loch Trail in Loch Lomond Recreation Area, a 4.9-mile route with 743 feet of elevation gain, passing Loch Lomond and Alber

The Dool Trail Loop offers a unique perspective on the resilience of redwood forests, blending majestic old-growth groves with areas still recovering from the 2020 CZU Lightning Fire. You'll encounter a diverse landscape, from dense, shaded redwood lowlands to sun-exposed uplands where the canopy is gone, revealing blackened trees and new growth. Keep an eye out for the distinctive "Creeping Forest" with its leaning trees and the fascinating "fire cave" redwoods, which continue to thrive despite being hollowed out by fire.

This easy hiking route covers 2.7 miles (4.3 km) with 467 feet (142 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete. It's a popular choice for those seeking an accessible trail that showcases ecological recovery. As it's located within Big Basin Redwoods State Park, it's wise to check park conditions and arrive early to secure parking, especially during peak times.

The Dool Trail was notably one of the first singletrack trails to reopen after the devastating CZU Lightning Fire, making it a significant route for witnessing nature's comeback. Beyond the redwoods, you'll spot diverse plant life like huckleberry bushes, sword ferns, and Douglas firs. The trail provides a compelling narrative of natural history and adaptation, making it more than just a walk in the woods.