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Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Orick

4.9

State Park · Nature / Park

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Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is a state park, located in Humboldt County, California, near the town of Orick and 50 miles (80 km) north of Eureka. The 14,000 acre (57 km²) park is a coastal sanctuary for old-growth Coast Redwood trees.
The park is jointly managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the National Park Service as a part of the Redwood National and State Parks. These parks (which includes Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and Redwood National Park) have been collectively designated as a World Heritage Site and form part of the California Coast Ranges International Biosphere Reserve.
The meadow along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, with its population of Roosevelt elk, is considered a centerpiece of the park, located near the information center and campground. These open areas of grassland within the redwood forest are locally known as prairies; and the park takes its name from Prairie Creek flowing near the western edge of the meadow and along the west side of the parkway. Other popular sites in the park are Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach. The park is also home to the tailed frog and several species of salmon.

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Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

393 reviews

Google

4.9

By Von1287

We came here for Fern Canyon! It was a bit out of the way and terrain was iffy for our little car but we made it. Scenes of Jurassic park were filmed in this canyon and you can feel it with the...

We came here for Fern Canyon! It was a bit out of the way and terrain was iffy for our little car but we made it. Scenes of Jurassic park were filmed in this canyon and you can feel it with the... more »
By Sophie191454

This park is very beatiful with lots of nature all around you. The Elk sometimes come into the campground and are within 6 feet, once in a lifetime experience. 10/10 would recommend!

This park is very beatiful with lots of nature all around you. The Elk sometimes come into the campground and are within 6 feet, once in a lifetime experience. 10/10 would recommend! more »
By 907blaked

This is one of several state/national parks with redwood trees. The beautiful Newton B. Drury Parkway is the highlight of this park, in my opinion. Absolutely worth a visit!

This is one of several state/national parks with redwood trees. The beautiful Newton B. Drury Parkway is the highlight of this park, in my opinion. Absolutely worth a visit! more »

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By Christopher Walker

Prairie Creek Redwoods is host to miles and miles of amazing trails through groves of giants, pristine beaches, prairies full of elk, and unique sites like Fern Canyon. Some areas are reservation only, such as the Tall Trees Grove, and Fern Canyon Parking (This can be accessed on foot from the visitor center via a 5 mile trail). Elk are around the visitor center and prairie area. The twelve mile James Irvine Loop is a great way to experience all the majesty of the park. Parking is limited.

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By annemarie

Prairie Creek is absolutely magical!!! It is so green and lush. And the trail we took leading to the Fern Trail was not difficult. I heard that the Fern Trail requires walking in water a little higher than ankle deep. So bring waterproof boots or sandals and an extra pair of socks. So excited to do that trail the next time!! Have fun and enjoy the quiet, colorful beauty of nature!!! 💚🌲

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By Cindy Marlane Rhoades

Remarkable ancient redwood forest. Visitor Center with great maps of roads leading to different trail head access. Well maintained paths to hike through. Enjoyed resting and Forest bathing on a bench placed by the Rotary Club in 1952.

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By adam bratland

Gorgeous park and well worth the drive. My wife stopped in here to walk the James Irvine Trail. We were pressed for time so we parked in the official park area (cost $8 and we'll worth having a safe place to leave the Van) and walked the Cathedral Trail. This trail was the coolest of all aces I've seen in the Redwoods. The map states the trail is only .42 miles long, but I'm not sure where they came up with that. It took as hour to take the trail and make it to Big Tree and back to our Van. Anyways, awesome little journey and a must see. Even saw tons of elk.

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By Mike Hagans

First, it’s free! Did I mention that it’s free to go! Anyways moving on! We weathered out two days in Crescent city so we could finally visit the redwoods. It was Coltrane‘s first time seeing this type of forest and as always I was completely unprepared for this stunning beauty and he loved it! Definitely make a stop and see the “big tree!”

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