Sempervirens Falls

Sempervirens Falls is a 20-foot waterfall in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, and the trail to it reopened on May 22, 2026, for the first time since the 2020 fire. Reach it on the 2.9-mile Sequoia Trail, or make a moderate 4.3-mile loop by combining the Sequoia Trail with 1.4 miles of the Skyline to the Sea Trail from the park's main day-use area. It is the waterfall hike open at Big Basin now; Berry Creek Falls is still closed.

The Sequoia Trail Loop

California State Parks announced the reopening in May 2026. The loop starts and ends at the main day-use area by the parking lot.

• Sequoia Trail: 2.9 miles, passing Sempervirens Falls
• Skyline to the Sea Trail: 1.4 miles to close the loop
• Total: 4.3 miles, rated moderate
• What you will see: recovering redwood forest and the 20-foot falls

The 2026 park infosheet suggests this loop as a half-day hike. Allow time for photos at the falls and for stepping over downed trees, which the agency warns are common on every reopened trail.

Sempervirens Falls Today

The name comes from the coast redwood's scientific name, *Sequoia sempervirens*, meaning "ever living." The trail runs through forest that burned in 2020, so expect open, sunny stretches between surviving redwoods and dense new growth. California State Parks publishes no seasonal flow figures for the falls.

Before You Go

• Parking: reserve a space ($8) or arrive early for drive-up parking ($10). On summer weekends, the free shuttle from Saddle Mountain drops you at the trailhead area. See parking.
• Water: the park has no drinking water. Carry all you need, especially on hot days, when the infosheet warns temperatures can top 100°F.
• Timing: trails close at sunset. Start early enough to finish in daylight.
• Map: pick up a free park map at the entrance kiosk; there is no cell service.

Good For

• Hikers who want a waterfall while Berry Creek Falls is closed
• A half-day outing with a moderate climb
• Seeing how the redwood forest is recovering after the fire

Maybe Skip If

• You only have an hour: walk the flat 0.6-mile Redwood Loop Trail
• You are set on Berry Creek Falls: its trails are still closed. See Berry Creek Falls.
• You have a dog: dogs are not allowed on trails. See dogs.

For other routes, see hiking at Big Basin and the trail map.