Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is a protected coastal redwood forest in northern California that preserves significant stands of old-growth coast redwood. It forms part of the contiguous Redwood National and State Parks complex on the northern California coast.

Highlights within the park include narrow, fern-covered ravines and canyons, a stretch of undeveloped coastline at Gold Bluffs Beach and open meadows where Roosevelt elk are commonly seen. Several short-to-moderate trails provide access to scenic overlooks, canyon boardwalks and beach approaches; the park is also a destination for wildlife viewing and photography.

The area was set aside in the early 20th century to protect mature redwood forest from logging and later became part of the coordinated Redwood National and State Parks management. Over time road and trail networks were developed to provide public access to key features such as Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs.

The park lies on the northern California coast in Humboldt County within the Redwood parks complex, between the small coastal communities that serve as trailheads and visitor access points. Road access is via the coastal and forest routes that connect to nearby towns and state highways.

• Park status: The park is part of the larger Redwood National and State Parks complex and protects stands of old-growth coast redwood and associated coastal habitats.
• Wildlife and trail tip: Early mornings and evenings increase chances of seeing elk in the meadows; Fern Canyon can be slippery and is wetter underfoot than typical trails, so bring appropriate footwear.

What to See#

• Fern Canyon: Fern Canyon - a narrow, steep-walled canyon cloaked in ferns and moss that is reached by short trails from the coastal bluffs.
• Gold Bluffs Beach: Gold Bluffs Beach and the coastal strip that provides beach access, coastal views and fishing along the Pacific shoreline.
• Elk Prairie and wildlife viewing: Elk Prairie - open meadow habitat within the park that regularly supports Roosevelt elk and is a common wildlife-viewing location in the reserve.

The park is on US 101 north of Eureka and south of Orick in Humboldt County, California. From Orick it is a short drive west; the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway runs through the park and provides access to major trailheads and parking areas.

• Drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway at dawn for elk sightings and low fog along the creek.
• Take the James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon if seeking a moss-and-waterphone experience that features cathedral-like walls of fern.
• Expect significant leech and mud seasons; waterproof boots and gaiters help after rain.