SR 236 begins with an at-grade intersection with
SR 9 within the small town of
Boulder Creek. The road then heads northwestward through an area of evergreen forest, exiting the town. After several switchbacks, the route heads westward into
Big Basin Redwoods State Park, where its name is Big Basin Highway. Amidst the park, the road turns abruptly toward the north, where it continues winding through the forest. As it exits the park, the road abruptly turns eastward again, heading again toward
SR 9, where it meets its northern terminus. SR 236 is not part of the
National Highway System, a network of highways that are considered essential to the country's economy, defense, and mobility by the
Federal Highway Administration. ==Major intersections==