Combine newly blooming wildflowers and fresh flowing streams with staple redwoods and scenic ridges on this 6.8-mile hike in Redwood Regional Park.
Start at the Skyline Staging Gate Area and follow the Stream Trail into the valley below. Redwood Creek soon greets you as you descend through a mixture of oak and pine stands and trail-hugging flowers like the woodland strawberry and the large hound’s tongue. Shortly after passing Girls Camp, find yourself surrounded by redwoods and ground-covering ferns.
Take a listen to the medley of the creek and forest sounds. After about 3 miles, you get to Fern Dell and the Orchard—a clearing with picnic benches. Continue up Canyon Trail to the East Ridge Trail. At the top of Canyon Trail take a left onto East Ridge Trail to begin your hike back, soaking in big-picture views of the surrounding hills and the valley below while enjoying close-ups of wildflowers like the California poppy and the golden eggs suncup.
The Skyline Staging Gate Area has limited parking but street parking is allowed. Dog-friendly!
