Day Hike - Northern California Redwood National and State Parks

This is the third of 6 day hikes in the Redwoods National and State Park from March 25-30.  The trails are designed to showcase the best views, trees, waterfalls, geology and history that this park has to offer.  The weather should be mild, but some rain can be expected.

Pace will be moderate, with plenty of time for taking in the scenery. 

Here is the proposed route for this hike: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/PaHKtGs3OIFUBOBVVLpMUf9u/ and https://www.gaiagps.com/public/n2lBvYR92udbxOW7bwHTDX8K/

We will first walk the Big Tree/Cathedral tree loop  3mi.  This short walk gives access to some of the largest trees in the Prairie Creek area. Many cathedral trees, or a family group of trees, tower on the slopes. Walk past fallen mother trees that have become nursery logs for a vast array of trees and ferns.

Then we will drive a short distance and hike the Lady Bird Johnson Grove to Trillium Falls 5.64 mi/1483' - one way with car shuttle.

Situated around the dedication site of Redwood National Park, this moderate walk winds through stands of old-growth redwood, Douglas-fir, and tanoak. A brochure at the trailhead corresponds to marked posts along the trail and guides you along this historically significant route. In spring, rhododendrons and azaleas abound. The trail leads you through the misty hallways of an ancient redwood home. Along the path, families of Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and Sitka spruce reside under the shade of the world’s tallest trees. The forest floor creates a moist sanctuary for red tree voles, Pacific giant salamanders, and banana slugs. Along the creek, scattered patches of silky white trillium bloom in the spring. Near the waterfall (a 10-foot cascade over deep green, moss-covered rocks), the heavy, sloping limbs of big-leaf maple reach out in every direction.

Redwood National Park does not charge entrance fees, but   Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek Redwoods state parks collect day-use fees at developed campground entrance stations. These three California State Parks will honor the federal "America the Beautiful" pass.

Participants are responsible for their own transportation and lodging, although carpooling options to the trailhead can be arranged.  Lodging options will be discussed with participants but could include individual hotel rooms in Crescent city  or a shared Airbnb.  Nearby airports include Eureka/Arcata (about 30mi) or Medford,OR (100mi).  Leader plans to fly into Medford on Mar 24 and rent a car.   There will be options for dining together and sharing free time activities.

My style:  I am adventurous, curious and love to be "awed" by Nature.  As a leader, I tend to the quieter side and my style is more relaxed.  While I love to hike, I am also willing to make space for picture-taking, flowers, critters, geology, culture and views along the way.   I value the journey as much as the destination and strive to foster hiking as a wholistic experience (body, soul, spirit).

Prairie Creek Visitor Center at 9am.  Complete directions given to participants