Mile 0.0: Begin on Skyline to the Sea Trail, which starts on the east side of Highway 1, across from the beach parking lot. The first stretch, paved and flat, is lined with coyote brush, lizardtail, blackberry, poison oak, and a few pines. Mile 0.3: Ranger Station. Trail curves left, passes through a small parking area and self-registration station for campers, then squeezes through a gate and turns to dirt. A sign encourages hikers to take a hiking-only path that runs adjacent to the multi-use fire road, but the trail was closed when I visited. Although mountains rise sharply to the north and south, Skyline to the Sea sticks to a flat course through a valley and then along the creek. You may notice driveways off the side of the trail; some property (mostly to the south) is still privately held in this part of the park. Mile 1.6: Path to Alder Creek Camp, on the left. Continue straight on Skyline to the Sea. Mile 1.7: Clark Connector crosses the creek to the left. Continue straight on Skyline to the Sea. Mile 1.8: Path heads left to Twin Redwoods Camp. Continue straight on Skyline to the Sea. Mile 3.1: Path to Camp Herbert, left. Continue straight on Skyline to the Sea. Mile 3.2: Just over a bridge and on the edge of a small meadow, McCrary Ridge Trail sets out to the right. Although it presents an attractive loop option when combined with Howard King Trail, the trail is steep, climbing about 1400 feet in 2.5 miles. Continue straight on Skyline to the Sea. Mile 5.1: Junction with Henry Creek Trail, which climbs north. Continue straight on Skyline to the Sea. Ahead, the trail crosses Waddell Creek on a bridge. Mile 5.5: Creek crossing. Bikes and horses are not permitted further on Skyline to the Sea. If you've cycled this far, lock your bike to the rack and continue on foot. Mile 5.7: Junction with Howard King Trail. Continue straight on Skyline to the Sea Trail. The trail, diminished in size, descends a little sharply to cross Waddell Creek again, this time on a pair of metal guides about as wide as motorcycle tires. It's a bit wobbly and strange the first time over. Mile 5.9: In the middle of a gorgeous redwood forest, Skyline to the Sea bends right, continuing along Waddell Creek. Don't cross the bridge, but instead continue straight/left, on unsigned Berry Creek Falls Trail. The tiny path keeps close to Berry Creek, dodging fallen redwoods and ascending easily. Mile 6.0: Berry Creek Falls. Wooden fences usher you along the last stretch to the base of the falls, where at a platform you can sit and enjoy the 60 foot cascade. When you're ready, head back the way you came. Mile 12.0: Back at the trailhead.
