Prairie Creek Visitor Center

Tiffany Katz

2024-04

We came on March 18th as I wanted to check about Fern Canyon trail but they confirmed that the road was closed and that we'd have to huff it 3 miles before getting to the trailhead that was calf height with water, so we opted for the nearby trailhead of Prairie Creek and were not disappointed. It was such a beautiful hike with a forest more dense than our previous Jedidiah Smith hikes. You really feel like you're in the middle of the woods here. The hike felt long and splits into Cathedral tree and other trails so the map they gave us came in handy. Such a magical place and definitely worth it if you want to feel surrounded by redwood trees!

Zach Szablewski

2024-01

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Jeff Chen

2023-09

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Arthur Ingraham

2023-06

We didn't make it inside the visitors center as we finished our hike after it closed but the surrounding area was beautiful. There were elk lying in the meadow across the street where we parked for free as there were no spots available outside of the actual park. We hiked the James Irvine trail to Fern Canyon, over 10 miles there and back. There were signs cautioning hikers about the trail, it was a tough one but certainly worth the pain. There are shorter trails in the area to enjoy as well.

David Valderrama (Early Christian Life)

2023-05

This is our favorite redwood campground and hiking trails. Big trees here! Lots of them. The fern canyon isn't too far away. Everything is a must! I walked pass a bull elk that was about seven feet away from. Was able to snap a photo as I passed by to get to my van from the hiking trail. This was our third time visiting.

G A U

2023-09

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Deb InVA

2023-09

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Ed Lee

2023-09

I nice place to stop for information on the Redwood Parks with a number of hiking trails from the visitor center.The trails will take you tothe Elk Creek Campground,the Big Tree, Fern Canyonthat requires a permit, andone designed for the visuallyimpaired (Revelation Trail)The visitor center was builtby the CCC during the GreatDepression and has a nicestone fireplace.The visitor center has a fewexhibits on the Redwoods,the local Yurok tribe, andon the CCC camp in thearea with a nice selectionof books.The Elk Creek Prairie isnext to the center andis a place to see Elk atcertain times of the day.Located a short distancefrom the Newton DruryParkway and Hwy 101about six miles north ofOrick.A nice place to stop forinformation on hikingtrails in the Redwoodswith picnic tables, abookstore, and restrooms.

Michael Barton

2023-05

This is a great visitors center that deserves your visit. There are lots of souvenirs, exhibits historical plaques, and maps available to browse here. Staff is extremely helpful and very friendly. You'll find the trailhead to the James Irvine trail well marked just behind the parking lot. Be aware that parking is timed so don't stay too long in one spot.

Vika Hauber

2024-04

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José Lozano

2023-05

Small, little cabin-like visitor center near the south end of the scenic driveway with parking spots and clean restrooms. The place is filled with valuable information and is the starting point of many little trails that one can explore in less than an hour, and even a little meadow where one can look at elks.My only complaint is that the store there does not allow any cash payments, and also that the merch selection feels a bit slim.

Carl U

2023-10

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Sandoval Family

2023-05

Nice visitor center. The staff were friendly! Dogs are only allowed at a handful of places in the Redwoods. We stopped here to get a Bark Ranger badge for Oscar. The staff came out to swear him in! It was pretty cute! I was disappointed they didn’t have any of the badges in stock for us to purchase. They had a great selection of items to buy. We got our passport stamp and the information we needed for our hikes.

Davida Iaukea-Adams

2023-05

Got lucky and saw elk herd grazing in prarie on days 1&2 of our trip. The center itself is very informative, has lots of books, clothing, patches, magnets and various other souvenirs. The staff/ rangers were friendly and knowledgeable, and more than happy to take a picture with our kids. There is accessible parking and visitor center entrance. There are many trailheads that emminate from this area as well. We visited during the off season and experienced elk herd behavior that was new to us. The rangers working in the prairie during our visit were extremely friendly and accommodating by taking time away from their busy schedule to answer our kids' questions about the behavior then taking a picture with them. Thank you Prairie Creek Visitor Center and Redwoods Forest Rangers! I definitely recommend this stop on your next visit.

Anabel Hernandez-Mejia

2023-05

Friendly and helpful people. It is a great spot/area to visit, but easily crowds with cars. Restrooms were nearly of toilet paper and no cell service so recommend having a map. The visitor center itself has a payphone, shop, and information. There are many benches and picnic tables spread around and valley many times has elk.

Matt

2023-08

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Kimberly Hall

2023-05

The rangers in the visitor center are really friendly and helpful. Beautiful trails for all abilities. Well marked signs and wheel chair accessible trails as well.

Ric Listella

2022-05

The Prairie Creek Visitor Center is a wonderful place to visit in the Redwoods National Forest steeped in history. The actual visitor center was built during the Great Depression by members of the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC). The CCC was a work relief program that gave millions of young men employment on environmental projects during the Great Depression. The CCC helped to shape the modern national and state park systems we enjoy today.The Prairie Creek Visitor Center contains a wealth of local information about the Redwoods National Park and its history. Additionally, there are books and merchandise available for purchase.The Prairie Creek Visitor Center has plenty of free parking, well maintained restrooms nearby, picnic tables, and benches so you can sit and watch the wild elk herds in the nearby fields. It also is the crossroads and starting location of several short and easy hiking/waking trails or a day hike so that you can get out and see the beautiful redwoods in the natural environment.There is also an adjacent campground.Do yourself a favor and give Prairie Creek Visitor Center a try.If you find my review helpful, please give me thumbs-up 👍 Thank you!

Robert In Loomis

2022-05

Beautiful! More than 3 miles of wheelchair accessible trails. The wheelchair user certainly needs an assistant. You never know what obstacles you might encounter. We came across a tree blocking our way.

Sardar Asfandyar Cheema

2024-05

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Laurene Hirschberg

2023-05

Free parking no enter feeThe rangers here at the center are welcoming and are ready to help you plan a hike. Just tell them what you want to see, how long you want to hike and they’ll help you plan the perfect hike. They have great gifts and books too.

Barbradan Huang

2024-05

The workers is very nice,enthusiastic ,and kind. They answer what questions you have. They give the kids the activity booklet , there is the knowledge about safety and wide life. It’s free to enter the park, but it charge campground or activity areas, as like tree of mystery.

Christopher Walker

2019-05

This visitor center is small but everyone was delightfully informative. Karla was great! This is an easy spot to stop and grab a permit for the Tall Trees trail. While you wait for it to open you can check out all the elk in the nearby meadow. Multiple trails originate from here and continue to the coast, as well.

Chamaea Edwards

2022-05

This campground is a wonderful place to visit. It's always full so book ahead! The hikes are very accessible for multiple skill levels.Also a great place to bring children. Worth traveling to see amazing giant coastal redwoods. Tallest trees in the world!

Brittany O'Brien

2024-02

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Leonard Wilson

2019-05

The rangers were great at answering questions. The sights are so wonderful and impressionable. My kids loved it. I recommend that kids do the junior ranger activity. They learn a lot and get a cool pin (see picture). Lots of fun for parents and kids alike. We won't forget the experience.

Ed Cotton

2018-05

Parking, vistor center and restrooms. You can take the family on the trail to the left a short distance, easy access. To get to some of the best redwoods in the area you need to go in 3 miles or so toward fern canyon.

Jacob De Villers

2023-05

Beautiful park. Elk in the prairie were beautiful. Nice picnic area. They have camping, lots of hiking trails and a beautiful 10 mile drive through the redwood forest.

Alexandra Mathiasen

2023-05

Gorgeous first with winding roads and outstanding trees. Pullouts everywhere and some easy but some long trails. Signage never great so plan ahead here u want to go. Some folks hurry through but this is a journey not a race. Take your time. Magnificent

Caleb Hull

2023-05

Great little place. At 7pm there is a campfire and demonstration at the small amphitheater. There is a herd of elk that hangs out in the field that the road bisects. Great spot to pull off and have lunch before you go see "Big Tree" and "Corkscrew" (MUST SEE THESE TWO)