While it might it have been interesting to join the gathering at Stonehenge to celebrate the winter solstice on Saturday, a small group of us chose to do something more conventional and closer to home. We met at the headquarters in Big Basin Redwoods State Park well after sunrise, but well before the temperature decided to rise (31° Fahrenheit), to hike to Berry Creek Falls.

When we started down the Redwood Trail, across from headquarters, there were only five cars in the parking lot. I took it as a good sign. It meant we wouldn't be encountering many people along the way.

The plan was to reach the popular waterfall taking the Redwood Trail - Skyline to the Sea Trail - Berry Creek Falls Trail route. We would then return along the Howard King and Hihn Hammond Trails. It would mean missing Golden Cascade and Silver Falls along the Sunset Trail, but in exchange, we would be passing Mt. McAbee Overlook on the way back.

It had been a couple of years since I had last hiked through this range of coast redwoods. I had forgotten how shaded the path was. Sunlight rarely reached the trail. Branches and leaves high above us kept the light for themselves and gave us only leftovers.

I had also forgotten how damp everything was. Mushrooms in various shades of brown, red, and orange huddled in the soil and on tree stumps. Nothing escaped the moisture. Even the rocks looked soggy. As is my habit, I failed to take any photos of mushrooms or rocks, but I did spot this survey marker and had to photograph it.

The first mile of the hike took us down through a prescribed burn area. We spotted scorched trunks and blackened patches bordering the trail. The smell of smoke was still in the air. In some cases, smoke was still visible.

Once we crossed Middle Ridge Road, the trail made a steep descent towards Kelly Creek, which feeds into West Waddell Creek.

The sound of flowing water gave me hope the waterfall would be going strong. After one last creek crossing, Berry Creek Falls came into view and didn't disappoint. We hastened our pace and were soon at the platform overlooking the waterfall. It was gorgeous.

After snacking and relaxing for a bit, we began our journey to the Howard King Trail, but were quickly stopped by the West Waddell Creek. The recent rains had flooded the two I-beams that serve as the creek's bridge. Even with hiking poles, it would be a challenge to cross without getting soaked socks. As it was, we only had four hiking poles between the five of us, so we turned around and returned to headquarters the same way we came.

I should note that before we retreated, I gave the creek crossing a go. I just wanted to prove to myself that it could be done without wetting my feet. Once I reached the other side, I felt a brief rush of accomplishment. This was rapidly replaced with a longer lasting feeling of stupidity as I realized I would have to repeat the feat to rejoin the group. Thankfully, I made it back across without taking an unexpected dip and we resumed hiking.

On our return trip, we encountered several other hikers (thirty in all), who were trekking to the waterfall. Each person we passed made me more grateful that we had started as early as we did. I'll trade a little cold for some solitude any day. The practically empty parking lot we had left five hours earlier was nearly full when we returned.

All in all, hiking in Big Basin was a great way to spend the winter solstice. It was a casual way to celebrate the beginning of one of my favorite seasons. Admittedly, it probably didn't compare with the fun the five-hundred folks at Stonehenge had, but then again, I've never been one for big crowds or ceremonies.

I leave you with my favorite photograph from the hike, one of several shots I took of Berry Creek Falls...