The northern California coast is home to a variety of Redwood groves in areas protected by federal and state parks. On an autumnal road trip up the coastline, I was endlessly searching for the best spots to see the Redwoods. With a quick stop in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, I saw the fall colors come to life and learned a little bit about these magnificent trees in the process.
Where is Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park?
Located on the California coastline in Humboldt County, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is accessible via Highway 101. The main road, Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, is actually an alternative detour off the highway, making it easy to stop by for a quick visit.
If you’re looking to stay the night, camping and cabin rentals are available here in Prairie Creek State Park. Book online reservations here.
Significance of the Prairie Creek Redwoods
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is a designated World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. Along with the other three parks in the Redwood National and State Parks group, the area protects 45 percent of California’s remaining old-growth Redwoods.
You can expect to find coastal fog hanging on through the mid morning when visiting Prairie Creek. The fog actually gives the Redwoods one-third of their annual water needed for survival. With the ever-changing climate, conservationists are worried that the fog may one day disappear, causing a demise in Redwood growth.
Prairie Creek is especially fun to explore because of how each area differs from the other. Along with protecting Redwood groves and sandy beaches, its home to large meadows grazed by herds of Roosevelt elk. The mossy environment and canyons full of rainforest-like ferns have been featured in scenes of movies like Jurassic Park.
Another worthy spot visit for Redwoods is in Jedediah Smith SP. Read more about that here!
The Trails in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
With over 75 miles of hiking trails, the opportunities for strolling through the Prairie Creek Redwoods are endless.
- Easy: Fern Canyon, Prairie Creek Nature Trail, Foothill Trail, Elk Prairie, Big Tree Circle, Cathedral Trees, Moorman Pond.
- Moderate: James Irvine, Zig Zag Figure 8, Clintonia, South Fork, Brown Creek, Ossagon.
- Difficult: Rhododendron
By far, the most popular trail is Fern Canyon, which can be accessed via the other scenic drive on Davison Road. Multiple short trails exist through the Redwood groves off of the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. Many of these are handicap accessible and include interpretive signs to learn more about the trees.
Learn more about the trails in Prairie Creek in their park brochure here.
A Stroll through Prairie Creek SP
On my quick visit to Prairie Creek, I briefly hiked along the Big Tree Circle trail and a portion of the Cathedral Trees trail. These routes, along with many others, are accessible via a parking lot 0.7 miles north of the visitor center.
The first order of business after parking is to head out and see the Big Tree Wayside. This massive 1500 year old Redwood tree stands nearly 300 feet high and measuring 75 feet in circumference.
Multiple spur trails break off near the Big Tree Wayside. I took a left on the Foothills Trail before looping around through the easy Big Tree Circle trail for 0.3 miles. Redwood trees soar so high, most of the sunlight is blocked out below.
Want to find the tallest Redwoods grove in the world? Find out how here!
Before heading back west to return to the Big Tree Wayside, I spurred off to the left for a 0.5 mile out and back hike on the Cathedral Trees trail.
I particularly loved this area for the rainforest-like environment. Vibrant ferns decorate the forest floor, covered in fresh pine needles and random mushrooms.
Short on time and wanting to see other Redwoods areas, I hopped back in the car and drove about 45 minutes north to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. You can read more about my visit to Jedediah here.
Read More California Travel Posts HereBefore heading out on trails, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with the “Leave No Trace” principles.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry.
Learn more about Leave No Trace on their website here.
Like This Post? Pin It!
| This post contains affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, if you purchase one of these products I may receive a small commission. This helps me maintain my blog as a free space to you. Check out my Disclaimer for more info.
Shop the Post
Your photos and recollections are inspiring. Nice artistic shots with the mushrooms and framing the big tree with the vines or drooping limbs. If you ever come back to Prairie Creek or Redwood National, check out this site, put together by a former park ranger and local nature guide, that gives insider tips on tall tree hikes: https://redwoodcoastparks.com