Rancho Del Oso

About eight months ago, we hiked to Berry Creek Falls from the Boulder Creek entrance of Big Basin Redwoods State Park. On Sunday, our destination was the same, but we began at the Rancho del Oso entrance, across the way from Waddell Beach. Even on overcast days, driving up the coastal Highway 1 is enjoyable.

The plan called for a moderate 12-mile out and back hike along the Skyline to the Sea and Berry Creek Falls Trails. We lunched on the wooden observation platform across from the falls. Afterwards, instead of retracing our steps, we improvised, headed off towards the Sunset Trail and (as expected) got lost. With a little luck and a map, we soon figured out how to get back on track. In the end, it took us approximately eight hours to finish 17 miles.

This was the first hike I've been on where the group got separated by miles. Paces varied and some folks struggled. The group I was with reached the beach about thirty minutes before the last one emerged from the trail head. While we waited and with a little encouragement, I removed my socks and hiking shoes and stood in the ocean. The freezing cold water worked wonders on my feet.