Full Creek

Trail and Creek
The Redwood Trail parallels Ritchey Creek for its entire length.
User: Austin Explorer - 4/15/2017

Location: Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

Rating: 3stars
Difficulty: 3stars  Solitude: 3stars
Miles Hiked: 4.69 Miles  Elapsed Time: 2 hours, 54 minutes

Comments:

Coppertone and I made a second visit to the park to map some more of the trails we missed out on the first time.  We were impressed with Ritchey Creek.  The wet winter has fully recharged the stream and it was gushing water throughout our hike.  The white noise sound of rushing water was nearly constant all along Redwood Trail.

The trail parallels the creek, much to the delight of Coppertone who loves waterfalls, no matter the size.  The name of the trail is evident given the many tall coastal Redwoods found here.  The parks boasts of the farthest inland stands of Redwoods in a state park.

The heavy rains over the last few months has caused major problems for the trees in the park and the volunteers who help maintain the trails.  Numerous trees, some quite large, have fallen in various directions and knocked down several neighboring trees, opening up the canopy.  In addition, large logs had to be cut up since they had fallen right across the trail.

Another large thing we found right across the trail was banana slug.  Not wanting him to be crushed by the next passerby, we used a couple of sticks to move him off to the side of the trail he seemed eager to get towards.

Ferns love the moist environment along the creek and under the Redwoods.  Their new growth was beginning to uncurl.  New growth on ferns almost look like coiled up caterpillars.  

Our plan was to hike as far back as we could manage and even took along some snacks to fuel our endeavor.  About 2.5 miles into the hike Redwood Trail crosses Ritchey Creek and joins up with Ritchey Canyon Trail.  But we could not find a sure fire way to cross over the stream without getting a bit wet.  Had we brought a towel we could have taken our shoes off but we were not so prepared.  So we ended up doubling back the way we came along Redwood Trail.

On the trip back we saw a Fire Rescue individual crossing the stream at another crossing, and getting a little wet.  Turns out someone on our side of the stream had injured themselves and had called for help.  By the time we cleared the area there were at least four team members there to help.



Log Photos
Trail and Creek
Ritchey Creek
End of the line
Elevation changes
Smooth going