Set aside in the early 1920’s by the forethought of the people of California and the generosity of the Save-the-Redwoods League, Prairie Creek is a 14,000 acre sanctuary of old-growth coast redwood. Designated as a World Heritage Site & Man in the Biosphere Preserve, the park has over 280 Save-the-Redwoods League memorial groves.

There are over 70 miles of hiking trails through lush forests and along wild and scenic beaches. As the park is a preserve of uncut forest, all trails lead you through the world’s tallest trees. Nowhere can you better appreciate the splendor of an ancient redwood forest. Take time to walk some of the many and varied trails. There are all-day hikes and short leisurely strolls. The terrain is relatively mild with only 800’ of elevation gain throughout the park.

The park has two developed campgrounds. The Elk Prairie has 75 campsites that can accommodate up to 24’ trailers and 27’ motor homes. Elk Prairie campground is located 6 miles north of Orick on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. The Gold Bluffs Beach campground has 25 campsites and is reached by way of Davison Road, off HWY. 101, 3 miles north of Orick (vehicle size restriction apply). Both campgrounds offer fire rings, tables and bear proof food lockers with water nearby. There are rest rooms with flush toilets and hot showers. Both campgrounds are open all year. The Gold Bluff Beach camp is on first-come-first-served basis. The Elk Prairie camp can be reserved during the summer by calling (800) 444-7275.

The park also has two backcountry camps and an environmental camp. Backcountry campers are reminded they must register and park at the visitor center and must camp in the designated campsites at Ossagon Trail camp and Miner’s Ridge camp. Both camps are open all year and registration and fee payment is required.

Watch for native Roosevelt elk in the prairie along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and on spectacular Gold Bluffs Beach. Gray whale, rabbit, squirrel, raccoon, mink, otter, fox coyote, mountain lion, bobcat, and bear might also be spotted. And of course the infamous banana slug, an important and welcome resident of the forest, is readily viewable.

Over 260 species of birds have been sighted within the park boundaries. The combination of open prairie, forest, streamside woodlands, coastal headlands, beach and ocean provides a wide variety of habitats. Some species of special note include the spotted owl and marbled murrelet, both believed to be dependent on old-growth forest.

Prairie Creek offers hiking, nature study, wildlife viewing, beach combing, fishing, picnicking, a visitor center with exhibits and a nature store.

Visitation: 500,000/year

Location: 50 miles north of Eureka & 45 miles south of Crescent City on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway off HWY. 101

Address: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Orick, CA 95555

Telephone: (707) 464-6101 ext. 5301 or 5064.

Operating hours/seasons: Campground open all year. Day use sunrise to sunset. Visitor Center open daily.

Climate/recommended clothing: Summer 40°-75°. Cooler along the coast. Morning & evening fog is common. Winter 30°-55°. Dress for rain Nov.-May with up to 70" annually.

Travel Directions: 45 miles south of Crescent City & 50 miles north of Eureka take the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway exit off HWY. 101.

Fees/costs/rates: **All fees subject to change as of January 2001** Car campsites - off-season $12., on season $16. Showers need quarters. Backpack campsites $3./person. Environmental campsites $9./night on season $7./night off-season. Day use $2./car. Senior citizens receive $2. discount on camping.

Facilities: 70+ miles of hiking trails, beach access, water access, visitor center with exhibits, natural & cultural history bookstore, RV dump station.

Reservations/permits: Recommend reservations for car camps Memorial Day-Labor Day. Call (800) 444-7275. Reservations not necessary rest of year. Backpack & environmental campsites are first-come/first-served.

Basic visit recommendations: Plan to hike trails. Don’t miss Fern Canyon. Roosevelt elk frequent meadows and beach. Campgrounds are in quiet settings great for relaxing. Nearest groceries 6 miles south in Orick.

Special events/programs: Gourmet Tour To The Sea = 3^rd Sat. in June; Annual Banana Slug Derby = 3^rd Sat. in August; Discovery Ride = 2^nd Sat. in Oct; Candlelight Celebration of Ancient Redwood Forest = 2^nd Sat. in Dec.

Visitor impacts: Medium to light use on trails. Campgrounds full all summer.

Adjacent visitor attractions: Lake Earl S.P., Jedediah Smith Redwoods S.P., Del Norte Coast Redwoods S.P., Redwood N.P., Humboldt Lagoons S.P., Patrick’s Point S.P.