Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park: Road Trips from Los Angeles

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

By Armando Ortiz

This place is an emerald in the north of California. It is a beautiful spot that will make you return again and again for many years to come. If you decide to camp here make sure to stay at least four days, minimum because that is the time needed to really take in everything that there is in this area. You’ll see giant redwoods on your hikes, wild animals around, beaches that seem untouched by corporate development, and if you are respectful and keep your distance everything will be fine.

You will know that you are nearing this park because redwood trees will suddenly make their majestic presence known to you. You arrive at the park and take a lane that gives you a taste of the experience that you will be having. Entering Prairie Creek State Park there is a meadow that sorta makes one think of a giant footprint that was left there centuries ago. It might have very well been an old Grizzly from the Shasta region as he was laying out the trees and left the mark there, but that’s a totally different story. The likelihood of seeing elk is high since a group lives in the area.  

There are reservable campsites, some cabins, a small stream that runs through the park, and many hiking trails for all levels to explore. If considering a trip to the Northern Coast then this is a must for anyone. There is a prairie adjacent to the camp where Elk eat and lounge there during the day. Some of the trails are short and take you to the Old Tree, and Cathedral trees. There is a 16 mile round trip trail that takes you all the way to the beach and along the way you walk through the redwood. Leaving early you at times might feel that you are alone and the only one on the trail. Driving north 30 minutes from the park you reach Crescent City which is a few miles away from Jedediah State Park, another treasure trove of redwoods in California, which at the edge of the park is the Smith River, an excellent place to spend some time swimming and lounging.

Come prepared to stay here a few days and take into account the distance that you will be traveling. It took us about 12 hours total driving from Los Angeles to the Redwoods. Make sure to stock up in Arcata where there are several markets where food, drinks and ice can be purchased. Also, in case you forgot an outfit then there is also a Walmart and a Costco nearby. Also, it would be good to fill up on gas once in Arcata, though there is a Native American reservation, the Yurok Nation, that has a gas station and their prices are much lesser than what is the norm in towns and cities across California. Enjoy your visit!