Sequoia Nature Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Geological Significance · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

The seasonal bridge across Pescadero Creek is installed May 15th and removed October 15th. Use caution while crossing the creek during the rainy winter season. Prepare to get your feet wet, and do not cross if the water is high or swift, especially after a storm. Talk to the rangers at the visitor center before your hike, and always obey posted closure signs. There is a $10 day use fee for people parking their cars. It can be paid at the visitor center, where there is also free wifi, water, bathrooms, etc.

The trailhead for the Sequoia Nature Trail is behind the visitor center by the bathrooms. This is an interpretive trail, with signed stops along the way that teach about the natural history, biology, and geology of the area. If you are interested, pick up a free pamphlet from the visitor center that contains an explanation of each stop.

The trail starts out as a relatively level, well graded gravel singletrack that weaves through the redwoods forest. At about 0.1 miles, the trail curves north and reaches a nice vista that overlooks Pescadero Creek. Continue left (south) down some stairs to reach the riverbank. This area is a popular swimming hole in the summer. The trail follows the river north about 50 feet, where it reaches a crossing. From May 15th through October 15th a seasonal bridge is installed, allowing for an easy way across Pescadero Creek.

The trail continues north on the west bank, where after about 300 ft it reaches a junction. Left (west) is a quick connector that bypasses the main trail path through the old-growth grove. Stay right (northeast) and enjoy the relatively level stroll through the giant redwoods on the creek's point bar. The trees here are massive and some of the most beautiful in the entire park.

After another 0.2 miles from the previously described junction, reach the other end of the connector trail that bypasses the grove. If you wish to complete the trail and connect with other trails in the area (like the Iverson Trail) take the path right (south). Left (east) takes the connector trail, which you can use to make a circuit and return back to the trailhead and visitor center, retracing your steps across the creek and up the opposite bank.

Flora: trees include ancient coast redwoods, large Douglas firs, and tan oaks, as well as the occasional madrone, California bay, toyon, and maple. The brush is filled with huckleberry bushes, which are typically ripe and delicious in early fall. Also common are ferns, redwood sorrel, trillium, and even some spearmint in some areas. While not common on this trail, be cautious of poison oak! Know what it looks like, and when in doubt, don't touch the plants. Fauna often include birds (acorn woodpeckers, jays, chickadees, etc.), deer, California banana slugs, and even some fish in the creek.