Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Darla Dume

2024-04

Spent about 6 hours hiking about 10 miles around Prairie Creek. It was easy hiking surrounded by beautiful trees. There were a lot of people around the station when it opened but it was pretty easy to find trails that weren’t very busy. Having only one day to spend in the redwoods, we spent all day here and felt like there was enough to enjoy without having to drive to different parks.

Rosie Turkin

2024-04

We drove through the Prairie Creek State Park while on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and it was definitely worth it! It was about a 30-minute detour on our road trip, but you get some awesome views of the redwoods and there are several pullouts on the road that showcase specific trees. We really liked the Goose Pen tree. If you are in the area on a road trip, definitely get on the Newton B. Drury Parkway to see some giant old trees!

Tiffany Katz

2024-04

We came here on the last day of our trip in mid March and we're so glad we did. You definitely get a sense of being deeper in the forest than on the Jedediah Smith trails. We took the big Prairie Creek trailhead that's down and across the road from the visitor center. What a cool hike into the woods! Can't say enough about how stunning these trees are. Saw a few small elk by the visitor center, but none with antlers. I advise getting a map from the visitor center as that definitely helped us. The trail splits in multiple sections.

it's Me Justin

2023-06

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in California is a majestic sanctuary that embraces visitors in the awe-inspiring embrace of ancient redwood forests. This enchanting park is a treasure trove of natural wonders, where towering trees soar towards the heavens and sunlight filters through the dense canopy, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadows. As you venture deeper into the park, you'll discover a diverse ecosystem teeming with wildlife, from elusive deer to vibrant birds. The air is infused with the earthy scent of moss and damp earth, and the sounds of babbling creeks and rustling leaves provide a soothing backdrop to your exploration. The surrounding area exudes a sense of tranquility and harmony, inviting visitors to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is a sanctuary of beauty and serenity, a place where you can immerse yourself in the grandeur of the redwoods and find solace in the embrace of the natural world.

Kimberly Hall

2023-05

Just so beautiful. Well maintained trails, knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful rangers. Prarie Creek is part of Redwoods state and National Parks and in my opinion has some of the best trails because you have access to beach and woods. In all honesty, whichever parks you visit will take your breath away.

G A U

2023-09

It's such a beautiful and amazing place. Wild Elk nearby and fantastic Redwoods. The air I fresh and the trails and hikes are breathtaking. A must-see and highly recommended

Luisa Harkey

2023-10

100/10 there's not an adequate way to discribe this Park. The Camp ground is immaculate, Visitor Center informative and also offers great souvenirs. bring cash for fire wood! Park hosts campfire lectures and evenings Ranger guided walks. Nature is amazing, get out there!

Colte Steele-Ogus

2023-08

A must visit. There is nothing better than these redwoods wherever you're headed, stop and take half an hour to exist in the world.Cal Barrel road is dog friendly, free, and an easy 3 mile hike

Olivia Covarrubias

2023-09

This is such a fantastic trail. We saw elk, and so many beautiful trees. It's so wonderful the the Redwoods provides so many great trails for all levels of hikers. This trail was easy. Enjoy!

Jenn Richardson Photo

2024-03

I love this place so much. My fav was the Rhododendron Trail. Before 10am the light breaks through thin fog and the thick canopy beautifully.Dog-friendliness: No.

Bob Yeager

2023-10

This is a must see while traveling through the Redwoods. Don't miss the opportunity to pull over and walk one of the trails. You don't have to walk 10 miles, even just walk 200 yards into the forest, breathe deeply, look up a lot and appreciate the magnitude of the "giants". Look down on "carpeted" forest floor and notice the boughs, the colors and maybe even a salamander!

Christopher Walker

2023-05

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.

Jerry Lucas

2023-05

The Visitors Center is the entry point to at least ten beautiful trails. Some very short, some longer and challenging both in the climb as well as narrow, less-traveled trails. The recent storms had several trails partially blocked to fully blocked due to fallen branches or full trees. No matter, I highly recommend the park!

Bartholomew Roland

2022-05

An absolutely stunning state park that is nestled between the Redwood National Park and the ocean. This place is simply verdant. Come by and hike gorgeous trails like the James Irvine or Fern Canyon trails. The trees are majestic and the ferns are lush.This park has an $8 parking fee, but only if you park within their designated spots. There is often plenty of street parking outside the gate that can be accessed by a short walk.The facilities are kept and the trails are well-marked.

Tech4hire

2023-05

Very beautiful scenery. Must wear good hiking shoes and you should always walk with a partner. Lots of trails are available from a 0.6mile hike to a 3.6m trek to the beach.

Kathleen Tang

2022-05

Lovely park, I would love to visit again. Camp site does not have full hookup. Site is very quiet and tucked away from everything, a lot of road are not accessible with RV. You much book far in advance, use google earth to check out makes the space is fit your RV. A lot of sites can be pull through that’s perfect for RV. Star Wars filming location. Can you guess which movie?,

Lisa Stewart

2019-05

Absolutely stunning park with great trails. We lucked out and got the last open tent spot (12) and were really happy with it. Some spots have you sleeping RIGHT in the Redwoods, others have you right against the stream...while our spot did not, it was still beautiful. The trails are in abundance and full of surprises. The hosts were super friendly and very helpful - even had a pump for an air mattress. Firewood is $8 at the host stand. Highly recommend camping here, or at least hiking the trails. Amazing!!!!

Ed Tubridy

2023-07

Great trip through an ancient forest of beautiful Redwoods. Stopped at Big Tree to take a look and short hike with my dog. The size and age of the trees is astonishing. I felt humbled. Highly recommended.Dog-friendliness: No dogs on trails

Brianne Rogers

2021-05

Such an absolutely wonderful place to spend the day, and there is a campground you can stay at during the night. There is free, limited day parking, and you can pay for parking closer to the beach. We did the James Irvine Trail, which is about 4.5 miles to the beach, so if you plan on doing the 9 mile round trip, be prepared and bring plenty of water. It is seriously one of the most amazing places to hike, you feel like you are in a different world. Everything is so beautiful and green, the trees are huge, the silence is wonderful, and the smells are surreal. Such a magical place. Please respect this park, and do not litter or create sound pollution<3

Aimee Hutson

2021-05

Absolutely beautiful! And so very cold in early March. Truly a Miracle worth seeing. We drove 6+ hours and although our stay had to be short, it was worth the drive! Definitely will be going back. If you haven't gone here yet at least one. Plan a trip now!!!

WRL

2023-05

This is probably our favorite park in the Redwoods Park system. Start with Big Bree, walk cathedral trail, then, if you're up for a longer walk, so Rhododendron Trail with the cutoff at South Fork, which gives you a moderately strenuous 7 mile hike.Also fantastic are the amazing trails out of Fern Canyon like Friendship Ridge or Davison Canyon trails.Playground: Definitely not.... Most people are here to enjoy the silence of the old growth redwood forests.Restrooms: None on or near trailsDog-friendliness: Nope, only far away on Cal Barrel Road.Picnic area: Only at Gold Bluffs Beach or near the few camping areas.

Ken and Alicia Lund

2018-05

This state park is as spectacular as Redwoods National Park itself. Herds of Roosevelt elk. Stunning forests, including formidable redwood groves. Stately "Big Tree". Great coastal and ocean views. But the highlight of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is Fern Canyon, a must-do hike that starts on the ocean coast and follows a verdant fern covered ravine. Memorable scenery.

annemarie

2023-05

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!!! 💚🌲

Jacky

2019-05

Get here early or the close parking spots will be taken quick! Then you'd have to park along the driving path before the entrance. No big deal.The views here were awesome. Trees galore. Big trees everywhere! Went on the trail that cut through a tree.Unfortunately, one of the trails that I went to were really muddy, so we had to turn around. Either way, prepare to walk a lot and enjoy yourself!

Justin Anderson

2018-05

The coolest part about this place is the sheer amount of elk present for viewing. We had the amazing opportunity of seeing multiple elk up close and personal. Also, they have an amazing amount of big trees including “big tree” itself. It’s a great park and a must stop!

Ric Listella

2022-05

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is a beautiful state park with a campground and many outdoor activities, including hiking, walking, biking, and wildlife watching, to name a few.Focusing on some hiking/waking trails, there are many to try from short hikes/walks to longer day hikes getting you into the woods to enjoy the natural environment and beauty!Do yourself a favor and stop in, take a look around, enjoy a picnic, take a hike!If you find my review helpful, please give me a thumbs-up 👍 Thank you!

Dave Von Redlich

2019-05

This park is gorgeous. I have camped and hiked here. I took the James Irvine Trail from here to Fern Canyon, was magical with all the redwoods and beautiful scenery. Took lots of pictures. I'm glad we had a car at Fern Canyon since I'm not in shape, it's 4.6 miles one way. Camping is awesome, very nice sites and well kept. I have wonderful memories camping with the kids here and I'm sure they do to. Sometimes the elk are around which is very cool. I've had them Chase my dog once so be careful with your pets and keep them leashed. The visitor center here is very awesome as well and lots of info and things to see. I'm looking forward to visiting here again soon!

J. Isaac Barthelow

2021-05

Just come here - walk, bike, bus - just get here! These redwoods are amazing - spiritual. The air is so pure it feels like every breath gets you healthy. Trails are well maintained and there is something for everyone. Hiking all the way to the coast and fern canyon is amazing- but this will takes hours with a fair amount of elevation gain. But you can be surrounded by huge redwoods and forest just a couple yards in on a level trail. Roosevelt Elk are almost guaranteed to be see - at a distance - these are large wild beasts so be careful.

Hilary Neilson

2024-04

There are usually many elk to be seen. There is a good campground (Elk Meadow) and Fern Canyon, which is awesome and requires a free reservation. Big Tree Wayside is right in that area too and is a network of short trails with giant redwoods.

Nicholas Klein

2022-05

There are so many spots to see Redwoods that it can be a bit confusing. This one state park, however, has as good variety of EVERYTHING to satisfy your Redwoods curiosities. From Big Tree to boardwalks to smaller quaint trails. Plenty to see and explore for days!