Enter Redwood Regional through the main park entrance on Redwood Road in Oakland. Drive in past several overflow parking lots until you can drive no further. Park here, or go back and park there.
Start at the paved entrance to the Stream Trail. Bathrooms and benches abound for the first 3/4 of a mile. As you continue past the signed "Trail's End," really take in the trees. When you cross the bridge, you can now answer "Are we there yet?" with "almost!"
After you pass the bridge and picnic tables, start looking for ladybugs. You'll see them on downed trees, ferns, and the forest floor adjacent to the trail, especially on the stream side. When you reach the intersection with the Prince Trail, you'll see ladybugs everywhere you look. Absorb some joy, and then retrace your steps.
Walk past the bench, and enjoy the beautiful Redwood Regional understory. As a bonus, there's another little ladybug colony to be found just after you cross the intersection with the Eucalyptus Trail. Check the ground to your right for motion. Feel the awe, and then hike on back up to the trailhead.
Emerge into the Skyline Gate parking area, and pick up the East Ridge Trail past the bathrooms. Meander along this open, level and hard-packed trail. Enjoy views of the East Bay. Grab a bench, and sit a spell.
Leave the East Ridge by descending into the forest on this lovely tree-lined trail. The Canyon Trail ends at the Orchard picnic area. Celebrate your hearty hike, and head back to the parking lot refreshed from your adventure.
