Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
California is home to nearly 300 incredible state parks, and this week we’re in Northern California exploring a coastal gem. Join me today at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Trillium Falls Trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
History
Native Yurok people lived in the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park area long before the establishment of any state or national park. However by the 1850s their numbers were decimated by settlers. They have made an incredible recovery, and now nearly 5,500 Yurok reside in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, as the most populous tribe in our state.
By the early 1900s logging had destroyed thousands of acres of California’s old-growth redwoods, and in 1923 approximately 160 acres were donated to the recently formed Save the Redwoods League and this state park was established. Over time more land was donated and the park expanded. Additional parks were also created in the surrounding area, and by 1994 the NPS and California State Parks agreed to co-manage four parks, including Prairie Creek, Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Redwood National Park.
Trillium Falls Trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Big Tree Wayside in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Location
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park can be found in Humboldt County, approximately 25 miles south of Crescent City and 50 miles north of Eureka on Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway off Highway 101. A World Heritage Site & International Biosphere Reserve, over 70 miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of biking trails wind through this 14,000 acre park. From camping and picnicking to beach combing and wildlife viewing, Prairie Creek is a coastal sanctuary for the tallest trees in the world, old-growth redwoods. It is also home to strikingly beautiful and varied terrain, including sandy beaches, lush fern canyons, rich forests, and open meadows.
Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Fern Canyon
A relatively flat one mile trail leads through one of the most otherworldly spots in this state park. Fern Canyon follows Home Creek and is cloaked by 50 foot tall fern canyon walls. Starting in 2022, Summer visitors now will have a safer and much less crowded experience at Fern Canyon because online preregistration for day permits will be required for entrance from May through September. For all the details on this spot see my full Fern Canyon blog post here.
Big Tree Wayside in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
The Big Tree at Big Tree Wayside
Big Tree Wayside
“The Big Tree” is located here, which is thought to be one of the largest trees in all of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, standing at over 350 tall. Big Tree Wayside is an easy short (200 yard) stroll that can be combined with the Circle Trail for a 15 minute family-friendly hike. For details on this spot, see my full Big Tree Wayside post here.
Trillium Falls in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Roosevelt elk at Elk Meadow
Elk Meadow
Once an abandoned logging mill site the Elk Meadow day use area is now vibrant and thriving, a favorite spot for hikers & bikers, it’s also a wonderful place to be on the lookout for local Roosevelt elk. Trillium Falls Trail leads to a forested waterfall and the Berry Glen Trail passes some spectacular old-growth redwoods. For more j this area see my full Elk Meadow blog post here.
Trillium Falls in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Other Park Highlights
Along with the above mentioned hikes, consider exploring the Rhododendron Trail, Brown Creek Loop, or the Friendship Ridge Trail. Gold Bluffs Beach also offers sandy shores for a perfect spot to dip your toes in the ocean, and for wildlife enthusiasts, Prairie Creek is rich with everything from black bears to banana slugs.
Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Know Before You Go
• Cell coverage is very limited and cannot be relied on in an emergency. Have a plan for checking in and checking out with a friend when you are here, and consider using a good map and trail guide for your adventures in Redwood National and State Parks. Don’t rely on online maps when you are here unless you are connected via GPS.
• If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip and learn about the wonderful work the Save The Redwoods League has been doing to preserve these giants for over a century.
• Never approach or feed wildlife. Natural and cultural features are protected by law and may not be disturbed.
Top 10 Redwood Attractions
Tall Trees Grove
Crescent Beach Overlook
Redwood Creek Overlook
Boy Scout Tree Trail
Big Tree Wayside in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
In Summary & Behind the Blog Video
Thank you so much for joining me this week in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. For a virtual visit, see my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or you can watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Trillium Falls Trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide to visiting the tallest trees, the oldest trees, and the largest trees in the world. The giant sequoias, the coastal redwoods, and the ancient bristlecone pines are all found in California, and this week I'm sharing my favorite places to go and hiking trails to see these trees up close, most of which are in state and national parks, forests, and monuments.