Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is one of three state parks that fall within the purview of Redwood National Park. Prairie Creek is the southern most of these state park and the most diverse. It is one of the largest sections of coastal redwoods in the national park. The highlight of Prairie Creek is Fern Canyon. This is a short canyon of 30 foot walls covered with fern plants. On the canyon floor is a gentle stream and makes for a peaceful hike. Many people visit here because it is a short distance for a parking area. There is also many hiking trails, most are rather long. I did a long 8 mile loop hike which was one of the more memorable hikes I’ve done in a long time.
The Prairie Creek visitor center is located in a cabin just off Route 101 on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. Like all the other visitor centers, they have gifts and souvenirs, maps for hiking and rangers to answer questions and make recommendations. The visitor center parking lot also serves as a trail head for the James Irvine Trail, the Miner’s Ridge Trail, West Ridge Trail, Nature Trail and the Prairie Creek Trail. The visitor center is open seven days a week from 9:00am to 5:00pm. In the “Off-season” (not really defined) they are open Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00am to 4:00pm.
Address: Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, CA Phone: 707-488-2039
