Hike through towering redwoods until the forest opens up to an expansive field where you might get lucky enough to spot some elk. This beautiful area in Northern California looks like another world.

The Elk Prairie Trail is a 3.2-mile loop trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This easy loop trail in Northern California takes a little more than an hour to hike and is easy enough for casual, weekend hikers.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is part of Redwood National and State Parks.
Thomas Trull/AllTrails
This trail traverses through the Elk Creek area of Orick in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The trail is about two feet wide with a section that is a wood bridge. There are many trails within the park but this scenic loop is one of our favorites.
This popular trail is great for nature lovers, as well as bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Edward Osowski/AllTrails
The best time to do this trail is May through September. The trail is relatively flat, making it a good trail to do with little ones. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
On this trail, you might see Roosevelt elk, the largest subspecies of elk in North America.
Melanie Schlotterbeck/AllTrails
There are many Roosevelt Elk in the Redwood National and State Parks– seven herds in total. They can be seen in the forests, prairies, and even on the beaches. The herds’ numbers range drastically, from 10 to 250 per herd.
As you hike the trail, you'll encounter towering redwoods, some of which are more than 300 feet tall.
Ian Miller/AllTrails
The forest floor is covered with ferns, mosses, and other vegetation, creating a serene and magical atmosphere. At various points throughout the hike you’ll be able to view the stunning prairie, which feels like a magical place hidden in the towering redwood forest.
If you want to explore the trail first thing in the morning and don’t live nearby, stay at the campground in the park.
John Weisser/AllTrails
The Elk Prairie Campground is a popular camping area with quick and easy access to this trail. Also in Orick is the beach-front Gold Bluffs Beach Campground. Both campgrounds are in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
This trail is a fun way to explore this otherworldly scenery and the biodiversity of the area.
Polly Khieu/AllTrails
Prairies in redwood forests, like this one, are not nearly as common as prairies located in other forests, making this a special place.

Have you explored the trails at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in Orick, an easy loop trail in Northern California? Let us know in the comments!

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Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, 127011 Newton B. Drury Scenic Pkwy, Orick, CA 95555, USA