Hike through spruce forest to a driftwood beach
At the north end of the park, the Carruthers Cove Trail takes you down a steep hill through a forest of alder and Sitka spruce. The cove itself is accessible only at low tide. Check tide tables at the visitor center.
The cove got its name from a misspelling that stuck. The name was meant to honor Eureka newspaper publisher J.H. Crothers, who owned a vacation home on the hillside above the cove. He bought it from the Anthony Dale Johnston family, which settled here in 1851. Drawn by gold mining at first, the Johnstons later made a living providing food and lodging for travelers on an early beach trail from Crescent City to Humboldt Bay.
Difficulty: Moderate, Trail Length: 2.2 miles, Elevation Change: 580 feet, Ave. Time: 1-2 hours
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Amenities & Fees
$8 for day-use vehicle entry; no charge to walk or bike into the park. Camping and Lodging: Reservations can be made online at ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling the toll free telephone number at 1-800-444-PARK. For more camping near the park, visit HipCamp.com.
Park Information
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
What To Pack
- Safety: We want visitors to enjoy their experience safely. Simple actions can positively increase your outdoor experience. Such actions include taking water and snacks along with you, staying on designated trails, taking breaks, and letting people know where you are going and approximately what time you're coming back. For more outdoor safety tips, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips (external link).
- What To Bring: Layers of clothing. In the rainy season, pack warm hats, scarves, mittens and plenty of thick, fast-drying socks. And don't forget the raincoats and rain pants. Water, snacks a field guide, binoculars.
More Information
For more details about this hike and to purchase a trail map, visit RedwoodHikes.com (external link).
