MARCH ACTIVITIES

Please click here for a downloadable monthly activities schedule for area California State Parks. 

BIG BASIN REDWOODS STATE PARK ACTIVITIES FOR MARCH 2015

Redwood Loop Walk
Every Saturday and Sunday at 11 and 2 pm
How do these grand redwoods grow to be so old? So tall? How are they important to humans? Join us for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and the incredible Chimney Tree on this 90-minute walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Meet at Headquarters.

Shadowbrook Stroll
Sunday, March 1 at 10 am
Join Docent Hal Anjo as he guides you on a less-traveled trail that takes you by Union Creek, to the Sempervirens Falls and back through the redwoods. This is a four-mile, 3.5-hour hike. Bring water and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Mushroom Hunt!
Sunday, March 1 at 2 pm
AND Sunday, March 8 at 2 pm
Big Basin is home to many different species of fungi. Some look like our traditional pizza mushrooms, but others are wildly colored, strangely shaped, very small, smelly or slimy. Come join Ranger Emily Bertram as she hunts for mushrooms. Learn of the important role they play in the forest, who eats them and how to identify them. This is a family friendly, easy 1.5-hour walk. (Picking mushrooms in a state park is illegal, so we’ll just be looking.) Meet at Park Headquarters.

Coffee Talk and Crafts
Saturday, March 7 from 9-12
AND Saturday, March 14 from 9-12
AND Sunday, March 22 from 9-12
Come to the Sempervirens Room next to Park Headquarters for free coffee or hot chocolate! This is a great way to start your day in Big Basin. A Big Basin Docent will be happy to answer your questions about the park and help get you going on the right trail. And there’s a fun craft activity for the kids!

Discover Big Basin Redwoods!
Saturday, March 7 at 12 pm
AND Sunday, March 8 at 12 pm
AND Saturday, March 14 at 12 pm
AND Sunday, March 15 at 12 pm
AND Sunday, March 22 at 12 pm
AND Saturday, March 28 at 12 pm
AND Sunday, March 29 at 12 pm
Explore some of the park’s less travelled backcountry with docent naturalist Barry Grimm. This hike will be individually tailored to your group–so distance can vary from 2 to 8 miles, depending on your needs. The pace is always moderate–with occasional short stops to discover the park’s unique animals, plants and other natural features. Based on group size, experience level and weather conditions, we will choose from the many trails that explore the park’s most scenic areas. Dress in layers for changeable weather and temperatures. Bring sturdy walking shoes, water and trail snacks. Heavy rain cancels. Meet at Park Headquarters.

The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
Saturday, March 7 at 1 pm
AND Sunday, March 15 at 10 am
AND Saturday, March 21 at 11:30 am
AND Sunday, March 29 at 9:30 am
On this dog-friendly walk, we travel on North Escape Road, a paved road closed to traffic. We tour stunning old-growth redwood groves along beautiful Opal Creek. We'll discuss redwood ecology and park history while exploring the deep shade of the redwood forest. This is a fun, easy, three-mile, two-hour roundtrip walk. Dogs not required, but welcome! Bring water and meet at Park Headquarters.

Meteor Trail Hike
Sunday, March 8 at 10:30 am
Join docent Hal Anjo on one of our most diverse hikes—by mountain streams, oak woodlands, chaparral and redwoods. You’ll discuss forests, flowers and fires on a six-mile, 3.5-hour hike. This somewhat strenuous ascent is rewarded with ocean views on a clear day. Bring water, lunch and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Volunteer with the Trail Crew
Saturday, March 14 at 9 am
Since 1969 the Big Basin Volunteer Trail Crew has helped make it possible for others to safely enjoy the beauty of our park. The Trail Crew meets the second Saturday of each month, rain or shine. A typical workday lasts until mid-afternoon. Please bring your own work gloves, lunch and water. Join us for a unique perspective of Big Basin, a lively and productive experience with others who share a love of these redwood forests, and the satisfaction of participating in a vital part of the park's ability to educate and inspire the public! Meet at Park Headquarters.

Hike to Ocean View Summit
Saturday, March 14 at 10 am
Escape the crowds on this 6-mile, 4.5-hour loop through shaded forest to a hilltop view of the coast. Join docent Steve Stolper as we climb the Meteor Trail through the trees, gaining 600 feet before emerging at Ocean View Summit. After a relaxed lunch we descend back into the forest and return to headquarters. Bring *at least* one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing. This hike runs rain or shine. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Berry Creek Falls Hike
Sunday, March 15 at 9:30 am
Travel deep into the heart of Big Basin as you experience a wide range of habitats on this moderate to strenuous 11-mile-loop hike. Wind through shady redwood canyons and climb dry ridges as you hike to the jewel of Big Basin—65-foot Berry Creek Falls. Bring lots of water, lunch and wear layers. Docent Bill Rhoades guides you on this seven-hour hike. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Wildflower Walk!
Saturday, March 21 at 10 am
AND Sunday, March 22 at 10 am
Join docent Scott Peden and learn to identify many of Big Basin’s flowering plants. You’ll also visit several historical spots within the park. Saturday’s walk is a leisurely four-mile, four-hour amble that includes two chimney trees and a waterfall. Sunday’s walk is a relaxed five-mile, five-hour amble that includes a chimney tree. Bring water and lunch. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Outlook from Mt. McAbee
Sunday, March 22 at 10 am
Join docent Hal Anjo on a hike to McAbee Outlook. We'll stop at the top and enjoy the lovely ocean views, returning through a beautiful old-growth redwood forest. Difficulty level is moderate. The hike is six miles and about three and a half hours. Bring plenty of water, snacks and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Can You Survive?
Saturday, March 28 at 10 am
If you hike, bike, camp or ride horses, then you should have a working knowledge of modern wilderness survival. Join docent Steve Stolper for a 5-hour hands-on workshop to learn modern wilderness survival techniques. We cover risk assessment, the “Rule of 3s,” equipment, shelter, fire, signaling, and water purification. Please dress as you would for a day hike. Wear clothes that can get dirty. Bring at least one liter of water, lunch, and snacks. Rain cancels. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Annual Events for 2015

Below are 2015 Annual Special Events at Big Basin Redwoods State Park.  Additional daily activities including guided walks, campfires and Junior Ranger programs, can be viewed on the parks main calendar.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Romance in the Redwoods
Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 1 pm
On this easy, 2-hour walk you'll learn about the courtship behaviors of some of the park's most fascinating plants and animals. Join us and discover how banana slugs, redwood trees and more celebrate love in the wild! Meet at Park Headquarters. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 at 21600 Big Basin Way. Day-use parking fee is $10.  More information is available at (831) 338--8883.   

Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Mother’s Day Walk: Women of Big Basin
Sunday, May 10, 2015 at 1 pm
Celebrate Mother’s Day in the park by honoring the spirited women who lived in, worked in and fought for the Basin throughout its history.  Living history reenactments bring you back in time where you will meet pioneer homemaker Alice Maddock; Josephine McCrackin, the “Savior of the Redwoods” and Harriet “Petey” Weaver, the first female Ranger. Stroll through the magnificent redwoods on this half-mile, one-hour guided walk. Meet at Park Headquarters. This walk is wheelchair and stroller accessible. The park is located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 at 21600 Big Basin Way. Day-use parking fee is $10.  More information is available at (831) 338-8883.
 
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
The Men of Big Basin—A Father’s Day Special Event
Sunday, June 21 2015, at 1 pm
Celebrate Father’s Day by honoring some of the remarkable men who lived in, worked in and fought for Big Basin. Living history re-enactments bring you back in time where you’ll meet pioneer settlers, Big Basin founders and early park rangers. Stroll through the magnificent redwoods on this half-mile, 1.5-hour guided walk. Wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 at 21600 Big Basin Way. Day-use parking fee is $10.  More information is available at (831) 338-8883.

Big Basin’s Fourth of July Weekend Celebration and Talent Show!
Saturday, July 4, 2015 at 6:30 pm
Come and celebrate Independence Day with a campfire, sing-a-long and talent show! If you have a skit, poem, song or a talent you’d like to share, sign up at headquarters in advance. All presentations should be appropriate for all ages. Acts should be only 3-5 minutes in length. Participants need to arrive promptly at 6:30 p.m. Fire lighting and marshmallows (we provide the sticks and marshmallows!) at 6:30 pm; program begins at 7 pm.
  
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Tales of the Basin—A Storytelling Weekend Event
July 24-25, 2015, Various times and locations throughout the weekend.
The oral storytelling tradition comes to life with the ancient redwood forest as a backdrop. Events throughout the weekend include Big Basin Nature Tails for children of all ages, guided walks that spin a yarn along the trail and a Storyteller Showcase in the historic Campfire Center. Presented in collaboration with South Bay Storytellers and Listeners. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 at 21600 Big Basin Way. Day-use parking fee is $10.  More information is available at (831) 338-8883.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Big Basin Founders’ Day and Redwood Jubilee
Saturday, September 26, 2015, from 9 am to 8 pm
Celebrate our wild heritage with a melodrama, historic hikes and games for kids as we honor the Visionaries, Valued Workers and Visitors that have shaped the character of Big Basin over the past 100+ years. Revel in the beauty of the majestic old growth redwoods that inspired the movement to Save the Trees!  Big Basin Redwoods State Park is located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 at 21600 Big Basin Way. Day-use parking fee is $10.  More information is available at (831) 338-8883.
 
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
The Missing Arm of William Waddell
Saturday, October 24, 2015, registration begins at 6:30 p.m.
History takes a tall tale twist as the saga of this early pioneer unfolds. The silly, slightly haunting tours around the redwood loop trail begin at 7:00 p.m. Enjoy the redwoods on a fall night with music, storytelling and “Ranger Apples” around the campfire. All participants must register at Park Headquarters (registration opens at 6:30 p.m.). Big Basin Redwoods State Park is located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 at 21600 Big Basin Way. Day-use parking fee is $10.  More information is available at (831) 338-8883.

Redwood Loop Walks
Every Saturday and Sunday at 11 am and 2 pm (reduced winter schedule, call park for details)
How do these grand redwoods grow to be so old? So tall? How are they important to humans? Join us for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and the incredible Chimney Tree on this 90-minute walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters.  Self-guided trail brochures also available.

Events made possible by California State Park Docents, California State Parks and Mountain Parks Foundation