Big Basin Memory Chasing

Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most. 

-Buddha 

Courtesy California State Parks, 2015 

So there it was—April’s spring break seems to come around so fast every year. An epic trip, which involved myself, my dad, my brother and my two beautiful children, was about to begin in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. We went for a two-night camping trip in a tent cabin. We had a pretty low expectation of the tent cabin and, hence, packed sleeping pads and enough warm clothes to keep us snug and dry from the rain and cold weather that was in the forecast. Luckily, our tent cabin looked like a luxury cabin with beds, mattress pads, our own dining table and a cozy fireplace for us all to huddle around and enjoy during our time together.

This was an encapture of tranquility at its best. There were no distractions or outside influences—just quality family time. The redwood trees were breathtaking in their vastness and added to the secluded feeling that I always look for on my missions. The first day took us hiking out to Silver Falls, which was only 1.5 miles from basecamp. This was good and not too strenuous for my kids. We hiked through seemingly damp and mossy terrain among tall redwood trees.

Silver Falls was relaxing and the sound of running water was soothing. It entertained the kids for a while before heading back to the campsite and starting the campfire. The only real challenge was trying to keep the campfire going.

As is typical for cookout plans, the weather decided to pour down with rain. My dad and brother had to use a makeshift cover from a plastic tablecloth, and it actually worked! My father is a great believer of old school methods and taught us how to make a fire and how to keep it going. My children loved this and felt confident enough to make the next night’s campfire.

The next day we attempted a 10-mile, 2400-foot elevation gain hike to Berry Creek Loop on a quest to find more waterfalls. The hike can be done any time of year. A winter visit, with the proper rain gear, allows you to see the falls in all their hydraulic glory. We saw many of the park’s most famous inhabitants—the Banana Slug! Though, we ended up getting tired along the way, we still managed about 7 miles of it—not bad for two children! Even though we did not get to see the falls, there was still plenty to see, including the tall redwood trees and banana slugs along the way. 

Photo by Allie Caulfield

It was really cool seeing my children get to know the great outdoors and get closer to nature. I am glad I can share my passions with them and the rest of my family. My son learned how to do dishes with no sink in the outdoors, so now he has no excuses to not help out with them at home! My daughter was already accustomed to some of these basics as she is in the Girl Scouts.

No outdoor trip would be complete without your bicycle, so thankfully we brought ours along with us. My children were biking across the gently steep terrains every chance they got. Seeing my family get emotional and happy was also a welcome occurrence also. I really hope we can all do it again very soon.

To top off the trip, I got back in touch with my own inner child. We all played hide and seek on our last day. The terrain and many gigantic redwood trees made this a fun game with endless hiding places. Only the snapping of twigs when we walked would give us away. I would recommend a trip to Big Basin to anybody. They have a cool visitor center, a convenience store, and a gift shop. Book in advance if you plan a summer trip to avoid disappointment and remember to take lots of photos.