Sea lions and dolphins and gray whales, oh my
Marine mammals you might see in Prairie Creek include Pacific gray whales, dolphins, California sea lions, harbor seals, and Steller sea lions.
Up to 50 feet long and 45 tons each, gray whales migrate 12,000 miles each year, from Alaska to Baja California and back—the longest known annual migration of any mammal. They travel in small groups 70 to 80 miles a day. They stay close to the shoreline for protection from predators, such as killer whales. Spouts of vaporized water up to 12 feet high can be seen as the whales surface every three to five minutes to breathe. Check with the park for best time to see them passing by Gold Bluff Beach.
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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
Download the Whale Watching in California State Parks (external link) info sheet. Visit the park website (external link). The Redwood National and State Parks (external link) website provides additional information. The Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park brochure (external link) contains valuable information for planning your visit.
