Holly Out and About
41.403428, -124.029889
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Old Growth
Coastal Redwoods With 75-miles of trails to choose from, ranging from an easily accessible 0.7-mile loop through Fern Canyon from the parking lot at Gold Bluffs Beach, to longer backpacking trips - the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is easily one of the most stunning sites in California. Because of extensive logging in the 1880s-early 1890s, the majority of old growth redwoods have disappeared. But, thanks to conservationists in the early 1900s, the “Save the Redwoods League� was established to protect a large portion of the remaining groves. Through donations the League, along with the State of California, was able to purchase thousands of acres around Prairie Creek, thereby preserving some of the most impressive stands of Coastal Redwoods for future generations to enjoy. The CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), were instrumental in creating the Elk Prairie campground. They created a campsite for themselves to live while working to create the visitor center, which stands today, the trail system, campground, and beautiful picnic facilities for day use. In 1994, the National Park Service and California State Parks came together for an historic agreement to co-manage four parks in the area. By working together, they felt they would be better able to provide greater protection and preservation of over 105,000 acres of redwood forest. The four parks: Del Norte Coast, Prairie Creek Redwood State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park, and the Redwood National State Park.
Roosevelt Elk At different times of the day, you can see elk resting or browsing in the meadow adjacent to Elk Prairie campground, or you may find them wandering near or through your campsite. They can be found at the beach and on trails in the area. A conservation success story, the Roosevelt elk were nearly hunted to extinction by settlers on the North Coast. Although only a few 100 remained when conservation began, now their numbers range in the thousands, and they are slowly being reintroduced into more of their historical range. In addition to the campground meadow, another prime viewing spot is Elk Meadow, located just off Hwy 101 on the Davidson Road leading to Gold Bluffs Beach, another area where you can also view elk. The elk roam freely. Drivers should go slowly. If possible, pull to the side of the road to view the elk and take pictures. If they are crossing in front of your car, wait at a safe distance. Please do not pull forward to crowd them as this may startle the animals, disrupt the herd family, and cause injury. The elk are one of the largest in the deer family with males weighing up to 1100 lbs and females weighing up to 650 lbs. They are wild, and should not be approached. Dogs should be kept at a distance as elk perceive them as threats and will charge. They are particularly dangerous during the spring calving season (May-June) and during the fall rut (August-mid-October). Late spring, the older males will separate to form bachelor herds or remain on their own until the end of summer.
June 2015
Creatures Of The Forest One of the more interesting denizens of the forest, the large, yellow Banana slug is also the most unforgettable. It can grow up to 7+� in length. They travel on a muscular foot over a thick layer of slime that they lay down as they travel. They consume the forest litter (plant matter, feces, dead animals), helping to distribute valuable nutrients in the redwood forest. Although usually yellow (hence the Banana name), these slugs can have brown and black spots or be a warm brown color overall. They do travel across the trails, so care should be taken to watch where you step, especially in areas that are damp. In addition to the Banana slug and Roosevelt elk, the forest is home to black bears, brown bats, red squirrels, salamanders, mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, black-tailed deer, and endangered marbled murrelets, (as well as other birds). To protect the murrelets, it’s important not to encourage crows, ravens, and jays to the area by feeding them or dropping food, because these birds prey upon the murrelet eggs.
Fern Canyon Accessible from Gold Bluffs Beach, visitors can make a short 1.7-mile loop into the narrow canyon and out up some steps to walk back through the Douglas-fir forest on top. Or, you can just walk up the creek and back. Depending on the season, the creek may be full and you will need to walk across wooden plank bridges or clamber over logs that have washed down. The adventure is well worth it though, as the sides of the canyon are lined with different varieties of fern: five-finger, lady, sword, deer, chain, and more. The air is cool and primordial. Fans of the Jurassic Park movies will recognize the canyon from a scene where a sadistic hunter gets overwhelmed by some small compys. For those who like to hike a bit farther, there is an excellent loop starting at the Elk Prairie Campground that is 11.6 miles. Starting at the Visitor Center, you will hike the James Irvine trail to the head of Fern Canyon where you will descend the stairs to walk out to the beach. Walking south along the Beach Road, you’ll pick up the trail again at Squashan Creek following it to the Miner’s Ridge trail which will lead you back to the James Irvine trail and then to the Visitor Center. For a shorter hike (9.4 miles), just hike out and back on the James Irvine Trail. These longer hikes will take you through stunning old growth redwoods. The trail is well maintained, has some elevation gains /losses as you pass over ridges or dip down to streams. It is a moderate hike. Be sure to check out the maps at the Visitor Center before heading out on to any of the trails.
June 2015
Blooms The Rhododendrons bloom sometime between May-June, depending on the weather. A good time to visit is sometime during the middle. These beautiful flowers offer a showy display against the dark richness of the forest. The Rhododendron trailhead is off the east side of the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. It can also be accessed from other trails in the park. It is a moderate trail with some nonlevel grades - 6.3 miles. The trail is a favorite for photographers and artists during the midspring/early summer months. For those who would like to avoid the crowded summer months, the cool spring climate, combined with a showy flashes of color, makes the Rhododendron bloom the perfect time to visit. Other flowers in the forest include Azaleas, Skunk Cabbage, Columbia lily, Clintonia, Trillium, Bleeding heart, and more. To find out more or when to expect the blooms go to: https://www.nps.gov/redw/learn/nature/ whenbloom.htm
June 2015
Camp Information Humboldt County, California 127011 Newton B. Drury Scenic Pkwy, Orick, CA 95555 p. 707.465.7335
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=415
Open Year-Round Prairie Creek is located near the town of Orick about 50 miles north of Eureka and 25 miles south of Crescent City on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway off of Hwy 101. Within the 14,000 acre park you can find old-growth Coast Redwood trees and Gold Bluffs Beach. The park is home to herds of Roosevelt elk, as well as brown bats, red squirrels, black bears, and more - including the infamous yellow, Banana slugs. In spring the Rhododendrons come into bloom for a showy display, and in the summer wild blackberries come to fruit. This park is “Crumb Clean�. All visitors are required to watch a short video on the impact of human food on park wild life. Weather Summers range from 40-75F (cooler along the coast). Winters range from 35-55F. Fog is common in the morning and evening, and rain is likely between November and May. Park Brochure Gold Bluffs Beach Campground map Elk Prairie Campground map
Elk Prairie Campground has 68 camping sites (4 designated accessible only) and 4 cabins. 8 of the campsites are located near the meadow, while all the others are located in the shallow vale next to Prairie Creek. The sites located next to the Prairie are in the open, with no tree coverage, but have great views of the meadow and plenty of sunshine for solar panels. Sites located next to the creek are under trees and surrounded by wild Rhododendron, blackberry vines, ferns, and other vegetation. The campsites are fairly spaced out and the majority are fairly private. Each camp site has a fire ring, picnic table, and food storage locker. Trailer lengths are limited to 24’ and RV’s 27’ in length.
Gold Bluffs Beach
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground has 25 camping sites (1 designated accessible only). Each camp site has a fire ring, picnic table, and food storage locker. Access to the campground is via Davison Road off of Hwy 101. The campsite backs up against the coastal dunes. There are no wind or sun shelters. Named after the gold found in the 1850s, Gold Bluffs beach offers natural treasures today including great birding opportunities, elk and ocean wildlife viewing, plus easy access to the infamous Fern Canyon. Vehicles of all types may not exceed 24’ in combined length or 8’ in width. No trailers are allowed. Commercial fisherman with special access permits are the only vehicles allowed on the beach. Fishing is allowed, subject to Department of Fish and Game regulations at http://dfg.ca.gov. Ocean waves and currents can be unpredictable at any time of the year.
Online Reservations:
Visitors are able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance. Cabins • RV/Trailers • Tent
Visitor Center: Located at Prairie Creek campground. Open daily. Small museum, gift shop, and info desk.
RV/Trailer Sites: RV/Trailers allowed at Elk Prairie campground only. Cab-over camper or tents only at Golds Bluff campground.
Day Use: Visitors are able to make use of the picnic grounds for a day visit to the park. Sunrise - 1/2 hr past sunset.
Tent Sites: Available at both campgrounds. Walk-in and bike sites available at Elk Prairie campground.
Ranger Activities: Ranger led walks and evening programs happen seasonally at Elk Prairie campground.
Cabins: Four cabins, all ADA accessible, at Elk Prairie Campground. Electricity, heaters, lights. No kitchen or bathroom.
Firewood: Firewood is available for purchase at the camp host stations.
Fire pits: Campsites are equipped with campfire rings. Fire is only permitted in fire rings or camp stoves.
Bears: Bear lockers are available at every campsite. All food must be locked up or kept within an RV.
Dump Stations: There are no dump stations within the Park. Nearest dump site is located at Elk Country RV Resort 13m S of Orick.
Self-guided Nature Trails: Located within Elk Prairie campground. Special trails: Revelation trail and the Redwood access trail.
Electricity: There are no sites with electricity.
Hiking Trails: Elk Prairie and Gold Bluffs are included in 75 miles of hiking trails.
Propane: There is no propane available.
Bike Loop: Bikes are not allowed on the trails, but there is a 19-mile bike loop.
Water: Communal water spigots are situated at various locations throughout the campgrounds.
Leashed Dogs: Dogs are allowed at campgrounds, beach, and Cal-Barrel & Gold Bluffs Beach road. Never allowed on park trails.
Trash: All camps must remain clean at all times. Use communal trash cans to dispose of all waste. Communal Bathrooms: Potable water, restrooms and showers are available at both campgrounds.
For a complete outline of park amenities and rules, please consult their website.
Issue I: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park January 2018 Publication by HollyOutandAbout Stay in touch Email: info@hollyclinedesign.com Instagram: @holly_outandabout Editor & Publisher Holly Cline Š2018 Holly: Out and About Magazine All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written consent from the editor, except in instances of review, as permitted by copyright law. For permission, please write to the editor at: info@hollyclinedesign.com. Photographs by Holly & David Cline. Issue design by Holly Cline.
Issue I: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park January 2018 Publication by HollyOutandAbout