Skip 101 and take the forest road instead
The Newton B. Drury Parkway is a 10-mile-long scenic alternative to Highway 101 that takes you into the heart of Prairie Creek’s old-growth redwood forest. It’s named for the San Francisco advertising executive who, starting in 1919, was executive secretary of Save the Redwoods League. Over the next several decades, Drury helped the League protect 135,000 acres of redwood forest (an area the size of 11 Manhattan islands) in 30 redwood state parks. In 1940 he took time out from his work with the League and the state to serve as head of the National Park Service.
Many worthwhile stops beckon along the Drury Parkway, including (from north to south) Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail, the Zigzag Trails, Rhododendron Trail, Brown Creek Trail, Big Tree Wayside, Prairie Creek Visitor Center, and Elk Prairie Campground, along with a resident herd of Roosevelt elk. Signed exits—one 6 miles north of Orick and one 4 miles south of Klamath—lead to the route.
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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 information about scenic drives in Redwood National and State Parks, check out the RNP website (external link).
