Deep in California's wet and wild northwest corner
Fifty miles north of Eureka, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park offers sandy beaches and open meadows grazed by magnificent herds of Roosevelt elk. Ferns line canyon walls. Lush stands of the world's tallest living tree species, the coast redwood, stand in primeval majesty. Iconic black bears, bobcats, mountain lions, spotted owls and marbled murrelets roam here. The movie Jurassic Park was filmed here.
In some redwood parks, you have to drive or hike long distances to see the most impressive trees. Not so here, where stately and bizarre giants (including "cathedrals" and "octopuses") are just a short walk from the visitor center. A World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, Prairie Creek and the three other parks in the Redwood National and State Parks group protect 45 percent of California's remaining old-growth redwoods.
ACTIVITIES: The park offers over 75 miles of hiking trails and bicycle trails, a self-guided nature trail, whale watching and picnicking. Have a look at mighty elk or hike the 2-mile Rhododendron Trail in May or June to view the forest splashed with colorful blossoms.
ACCESSIBLE FEATURES: At Elk Prairie, some campsites, showers, six trails. Beach wheelchair is available for use at Gold Bluffs Beach; contact Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center in Orick at 707-465-7765.
DOGS: On leash in developed areas. Not allowed on trails.
Take a tour of this park with Google Street View Treks. (external link)
Directions
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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.
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.
Additional Information
Prairie Creek’s visitor center lies 50 miles north of Eureka and 25 miles south of Crescent City at the south end of Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway off Highway 101. Open all year. 707-465-7354. Visit the park website (external link). Prairie Creek is part of Redwood National and State Parks, which has four- park information centers in Orick and Crescent City. 707-465-7335. The Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park brochure contains valuable information on the park’s natural and cultural history as well as tips for planning your visit. The Redwood National and State Parks website (external link) provides additional information for curious travelers. Download the visitor guide (external link). Another good source of online information is the Redwood Parks Conservancy website (external link).
